One of the must-see attractions in Budapest is the Hungarian Natural History Museum, which houses the richest natural history collection in Hungary. The building, towering next to Orczy Park, won the Museum of the Year award in 2011.

With its spectacular exhibitions, unique finds, and family-friendly programs, it is an ideal choice for visitors of all ages.

Hungarian Natural History Museum

Visitor Information Opening Hours:
Every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Ticket Sales Close: 4:30 PM

Ticket Prices:
Adult – 3,000 HUF
Youth/Senior Ticket – 1,500 HUF
Family Ticket (2 adults + 1 child [over 6 years old]) – 6,000 HUF

Getting There

By Public Transport

• Metro: Take the M3 metro and get off at Klinikák station. It’s about an 8-10 minute walk to Ludovika Square.
• Tram: Tram 24 runs from the Keleti Railway Station to Ludovika Square.
• Bus: The 9 bus from the city center is a great option. Get off at Nagyvárad tér and walk 5-7 minutes to the museum.

By Car:
If you are driving, several routes are available from the city center. For example, from Kálvin Square, head along Üllői Road towards Ludovika Square. Travel time is about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Parking:
There are no parking options directly in front of the museum, except for those with a permit, which can be requested at the Information Desk. Parking is available in nearby streets like Korányi Sándor Street and Illés Street, but these are paid areas.

History

The history of the Hungarian Natural History Museum dates back to the early 19th century when Count Széchenyi Ferenc donated his personal collection from Nagycenk to the National Museum in 1802. The creation of the natural history section is credited to Julianna Festetics, who left a large collection of minerals to the institution. During the years of the War of Independence, the number of exhibited objects grew to nearly 50,000.

A century after its founding, the museum struggled with space as the zoology collection alone numbered in the millions. After operating in a scattered manner for many years, a government decree in 1996 determined that the museum would be housed in the Ludovika Academy building complex.

Exhibitions

• The Skeleton of a Fin Whale
  As soon as you enter, the exciting journey begins: under the museum’s asymmetrical dome hangs the breathtaking, 22-meter-long skeleton of a fin whale. The massive remains are from a whale hunted in the Atlantic Ocean in 1896. Due to its enormous size, a special frame was created, as the entire skeleton weighs almost 3 tons.
• The Wonders of Coral Reefs
  One of the most fascinating parts of the exhibition is the world of coral reefs, displayed through a 122 m² glass floor. The aquarium features more than 200 species of coral, 160 fish, and countless marine creatures such as snails, clams, and crabs.
• Lost Worlds – The Age of Dinosaurs in Hungary
  Who hasn’t dreamed as a child of seeing dinosaurs up close? While the museum cannot bring the dinosaurs of the Carpathian Basin to life, full skeletons, reconstructions, and original archaeological finds help bring them back. At Iharhút-Park, an ancient river mouth has been reconstructed, where you can spot prehistoric reptiles like Iharkutosuchus, Hungarosaurus, and Rhabdodontida.
• Diverse Life – Exploring Hungary’s Landscapes
  The museum also dedicates special attention to Hungary’s wildlife. Visitors can learn about the country’s biodiversity, geological history, and natural values through life-size models, specimens, and stunning photographs.
• Secrets Beneath the Earth – Minerals, Rocks, and Gemstones
  The museum’s collection includes over 2,000 minerals, including a 140-kilogram smoky quartz crystal named “Nagypapa.” The minerals are displayed in three different rooms, showcasing a variety of colors and forms.

Services

The museum not only offers exhibitions but also exciting educational programs. Children and adults alike can enjoy expert-guided tours and escape rooms. The museum also has a gift shop and a café.

Visitor Reviews

✓ “Interesting, you gain a lot of knowledge.”
✓ “Beautiful, well-maintained, clean, interesting. There’s also a play area for kids.”
✓ “Great museum education programs.”

Budapest Programs

Stay updated with the ReVnGO Programs! In our regularly updated guide, you can browse the biggest domestic events, from concerts to free family events in Budapest.

Looking for accommodation in Budapest?

Find the perfect accommodation for you with us! Choose from over 17,000 Hungarian hotels, apartments, guesthouses, thermal hotels or hostels, using detailed search options.

By booking through us, you can use nearly 600 discount coupons for tickets, restaurants, and thermal baths with up to 50% off, in Hungary

Instant confirmation, secure payment, and free cancellation with flexible terms included

You can find descriptions in English, German, Czech, Slovak, Croatian, and Romanian, as well as read reviews. Switch to your own native language

Go to the accomodations