Hungarian National Gallery

The Hungarian National Gallery, located in the historic Royal Palace on Castle Hill in Budapest, serves as a central hub for the country’s artistic heritage. Housing an impressive collection of Hungarian artworks spanning centuries, the gallery offers visitors a comprehensive look at the evolution of art in Hungary, from medieval masterpieces to contemporary creations.

Founded in 1957, the gallery celebrates Hungary’s artistic diversity through works in Realism, Impressionism, Symbolism, Cubism, and more. Highlights include masterpieces like Gustave Courbet’s The Wrestlers and Tivadar Kosztka Csontváry’s Pilgrimage to the Cedars in Lebanon. The Royal Palace itself is steeped in history, providing an architectural backdrop that blends imperial grandeur with modern functionality, much like the nearby Buda Castle Garden, which combines history and natural beauty in a seamless landscape.

Table of Contents

• Historical Context of Budapest's Synagogues
• Major Synagogues in Budapest
• Additional Jewish Sites of Interest

The Permanent Collection

The Hungarian National Gallery’s permanent collection showcases the rich and diverse artistic heritage of Hungary, spanning centuries and styles. From medieval altarpieces to avant-garde masterpieces, the collection provides a window into the nation’s cultural evolution while connecting Hungary’s artistic legacy to broader European trends.

• Location: Szent György tér 2, 1014 Budapest
• Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
• Cost: General admission €10; discounts available for students and seniors
• Features: Perched atop Castle Hill in the historic Royal Palace, the gallery houses a diverse collection of Hungarian and international art. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Budapest from its terrace cafe, while its exhibits span from medieval altarpieces to avant-garde digital creations. Guided tours and audio guides are available for an enriched experience

Medieval and Renaissance Art

The medieval and Renaissance section of the gallery transports visitors to an era when religious devotion and royal patronage shaped artistic expression. One standout piece is Benedetto da Maiano’s Portrait of Matthias Corvinus and Beatrice of Naples (1476), a marble relief commissioned to celebrate the marriage of the Renaissance king and his Italian-born queen. Through works like this, the gallery highlights Hungary’s flourishing Renaissance period, heavily influenced by Italian artistry and culture. This section highlights the artistic ties between Hungary and the broader European Renaissance, much like the influence seen in Heroes’ Square, a symbol of Hungary’s enduring connection to its history.

• Location: Hősök tere, 1146 Budapest
• Hours: Open 24/7
• Cost: Free entry
• Features: A monumental square featuring statues of Hungarian national leaders and the iconic Millennium Monument. The site is surrounded by cultural landmarks, including the Museum of Fine Arts and Vajdahunyad Castle.

19th-Century Hungarian Art

As Hungary sought to define its identity in the 19th century, its art embraced Romanticism, Neoclassicism, and Biedermeier styles, often with a focus on middle-class values and national pride. One of the era’s defining works is István Ferenczy’s Little Shepherdess (1822), a Neoclassical sculpture imbued with grace and emotion, capturing a young woman’s delicate gesture of drawing her lover’s face in the sand. Similarly, Miklós Barabás’s Pigeon Post (1843) depicts a woman preparing to send a love letter via pigeon, blending sentimentality with refined elegance. In a different vein, The Emir of Lebanon (1843) by József Borsos offers a romanticized portrayal of Hungarian aristocrat Count Edmund Zichy in Eastern attire, reflecting the era’s fascination with exotic cultures. Together, these works illustrate a period when Hungarian art began asserting its distinct voice while engaging with broader European movements.The artistic flourish of this era resonates with the cultural vibrancy of Vajdahunyad Castle, another landmark steeped in Hungarian tradition.

Modern Hungarian Art

The modern collection captures Hungary’s embrace of Impressionism, Symbolism, and Expressionism, exploring new techniques and perspectives. Pál Szinyei Merse’s Picnic in May (1873) stands as a landmark in Hungarian Impressionism, depicting a serene outdoor gathering with luminous colors and airy brushstrokes. Meanwhile, Bertalan Székely’s Women of Eger (1867) brings dramatic intensity to Romantic history painting, portraying the heroic defense of Eger Castle by local women during an Ottoman siege. József Rippl-Rónai’s My Father and Uncle Piacsek (1907) shifts focus inward, presenting an intimate domestic scene rendered in his unique, mosaic-like brushwork. These works reflect Hungary’s cultural vitality, much like the vibrant atmosphere of Gozsdu Udvar, a nearby hub of contemporary culture.

Avant-garde and 20th-Century Art

The early 20th century saw Hungarian artists engaging with avant-garde movements, producing bold, innovative works that reflected the changing times. Lajos Tihanyi’s Portrait of Lajos Fülep (1915) combines Fauvism’s vibrant colors with the structured forms of Cubism, capturing both the subject’s personality and the dynamic energy of the era. Tivadar Kosztka Csontváry’s Pilgrimage to the Cedars in Lebanon (1907) takes a more symbolic approach, depicting a majestic cedar tree celebrated by pilgrims, blending mystical and modern elements. The interwar and post-war periods further pushed boundaries, as seen in Vera Molnár’s Hypertransformation/Diptyque I/ (1974-1979), a groundbreaking digital artwork that marries Minimalism with algorithmic unpredictability.This avant-garde spirit mirrors the bold modernity of Elisabeth Bridge, an architectural marvel linking tradition and innovation.

• Location: Spanning the Danube River between 1013 and 1056 Budapest
• Hours: Open 24/7
• Cost: Free entry
• Features: A modern suspension bridge linking Buda and Pest, offering scenic views of the Danube and the city skyline. Its sleek white design is a striking contrast to Budapest’s historic architecture.

Post-War and Contemporary Art

The gallery’s post-war collection highlights the resilience and adaptability of Hungarian art under shifting political landscapes. Works like Tamás Hencze’s Horizontal Structure (1969), with its pulsating lines and vibrant contrasts, demonstrate how local artists stayed attuned to global trends like Op Art. In contrast, Imre Bukta’s Free Spraying at Dawn (1985) reflects a more introspective approach, capturing the quiet struggles of rural Hungary with compassion and understated power. This section underscores the diversity of Hungary’s contemporary artistic voices, navigating the intersection of local identity and global innovation.

International Art and Special Exhibits

The Hungarian National Gallery’s international collection and special exhibits broaden the museum’s narrative by showcasing works that connect Hungary to the wider world of art. These pieces and rotating exhibits highlight global movements and artistic dialogues that influenced or were influenced by Hungarian creators.

International Highlights in the Permanent Collection

The gallery’s international collection connects Hungarian art to global movements. Gustave Courbet’s The Wrestlers (1853) exemplifies realism’s raw power, while works by Monet, Cézanne, and Gauguin offer insights into the cross-cultural dialogues that shaped European art. Csontváry’s Pilgrimage to the Cedars in Lebanon bridges Hungarian and international symbolism with its universal themes.

Rotating special exhibitions add further depth, showcasing collaborations with international museums and exploring diverse themes, from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary installations. 

Much like the Hungarian Parliament Building, these exhibits reveal a layered history of connections between Hungary and the world.

The gallery’s terrace cafe offers sweeping views of Budapest, merging art appreciation with the city’s iconic skyline. Visitors can also explore the Habsburg burial chamber in the basement, housing the remains of Archduke Joseph, offering a poignant historical counterpoint to the gallery’s vibrant artistic narrative.

Special Exhibitions

The gallery regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that delve into specific movements, themes, or international collaborations. Past exhibits have spotlighted everything from Renaissance treasures to post-war avant-garde movements, often including loans from other major museums. These special exhibitions add depth to the museum experience, offering fresh perspectives and new contexts for understanding the permanent collection.

Additional Features

The gallery’s international appeal extends beyond its art. The panoramic terrace cafe offers sweeping views of Budapest, creating a space where art and cityscapes meet. The Habsburg burial chamber in the museum’s basement adds another layer of historical intrigue, housing the remains of Archduke Joseph and his family, a poignant reminder of the city’s imperial past.