Ethnographic Museum

The Ethnographic Museum of Budapest, known as Néprajzi Múzeum, is one of the most significant and renowned institutions in Europe in the field of ethnography. Founded in 1872 as part of the Hungarian National Museum, the museum has played a crucial role in preserving and celebrating the cultural diversity and folk traditions of Hungary and the world. From its early years, the museum has aimed to collect, preserve, and study cultural heritage, not only Hungarian but also international. The history of the Ethnographic Museum is closely linked to the social and cultural transformations of the country. In the 19th century, a time of fervent national awakening, the collection of ethnographic artifacts became a means to consolidate Hungarian cultural identity. Prominent figures such as Béla Bartók and László Lajtha contributed to this mission by recording folk and traditional music on phonograph cylinders. These recordings, which constitute one of the largest collections of folk music in the world, are essential for understanding Hungary’s cultural roots. The museum recently opened a new location in City Park (Városliget) as part of the Liget Budapest project, a broad initiative of cultural and urban renewal. Designed by the Hungarian studio NAPUR Architect, led by Marcel Ferencz, the museum’s new building is an architectural marvel that combines tradition and modernity. The museum’s facade is decorated with a metal grid that reproduces ethnographic motifs from Hungarian and international collections, creating a unique visual effect that reflects the cultural diversity represented within the museum. This project has received international recognition, winning the award for the best public building at the London International Property Awards in 2018. Inside the new building, the Ethnographic Museum houses an impressive collection of over 225,000 ethnographic objects. These include traditional costumes, textiles, musical instruments, tools, and folk art, offering an in-depth look into the lives and traditions of the various communities that have inhabited Hungary and other parts of the world. The exhibitions are organized to tell cultural and social stories, highlighting the connections between local traditions and global contexts. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Ethnographic Museum is its extensive collection of photographs, which includes around 340,000 images. This collection documents rural life and traditional cultures, not only in Hungary but also in communities around the world. The photographs date back to the late 19th century and provide valuable visual evidence of the cultures represented. Additionally, the museum has a vast collection of ethnographic films and videos, dating back to the 1930s, offering important visual documentation of folk traditions. The new museum building also includes state-of-the-art exhibition spaces, an educational center, a specialized library, and archives. This modern design is intended to offer a unique museum experience, integrating advanced technologies and interactive spaces that engage visitors and invite them to explore the collections in depth.