buda castle by night

Here Are the Museums You Can Visit for Free on 15 March

March 15th is a public holiday in Hungary, commemorating the 1848 Hungarian Revolution against Habsburg rule. It marks the beginning of the struggle for national independence and democracy, inspired by European revolutionary movements of the time during the 1848 Spring of Nations. On this day, Hungarians honor key figures like Sándor Petőfi and Lajos Kossuth, who played crucial roles in demanding reforms, press freedom, and self-governance, the country displays the national colors—red, white, and green— schools, offices, and many businesses remain closed, while some museums will be free to visit.

1956 exhibit
  • In a recent Facebook post the Museum of the Parliament stated: "We would like to inform our dear visitors that after the winter break, the 1956 Memorial Site and Exhibition, as well as the Lapidary and the Holy Crown in the Parliament picture exhibition will be open again on March 15th between 10 am and 6 pm. On this day, there is expected to be a free visit to the Holy Crown in the Parliament Building between 10 am and 6 pm."
  • Újpest Local History Collection
  • Buda Palace District: Lectures, exhibitions, music, dance and literature, historical walks and free family programs, weapons demonstrations and mounted hussars will fill the venues of the renewed Buda Castle Palace District. Most events are free, but for the more popular programs, advance registration is required to participate.
  • Hungarian Jewish Museum and Archives
  • Hungarian National Museum – Free family programs (opens from 2:00 PM)
  • Petőfi Literary Museum – Guided tours, interactive sessions
  • Hungarian National Gallery – Discover the treasures of Hungarian art
  • Museum of Fine Arts – Contemporary and classical works of art, admission 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Hungarian Agricultural Museum:  themed guided tours, family activities, and interactive displays that showcase the history and traditions of agriculture. Visitors can learn about the history of Vajdahunyad Castle, as well as participate in botanical walks and craft workshops.
  • Aquincum Museum – Archaeological Park and ancient exhibitions
  • Ludwig Museum – modern art
  • House of Terror – Free admission and thematic exhibitions
  • Budapest History Museum/Castle Museum – Exhibitions presenting the history of Budapest
  • St. Stephen’s Hall in Buda Castle – Ornate exhibition and historical presentation
  • Hungarian Railway History Park – Interactive railway history experience
  • Hungarian Museum of Natural History – Scientific and natural curiosities
  • Exhibits of the National Széchényi Library
  • The Military History Institute and Museum presents the military side of the Hungarian War of Independence, is free to visit on this day. Interactive exhibitions, traditional presentations, and historical lectures await visitors.

+2 museums around Budapest

  • The 150 year old Christian Museum in Esztergom is also free to visit. It has the largest ecclestial collection in Hungary. 
  • The Royal Palace of Gödöllő is open between 10:00-18:00 (cash desk until 17:00). The museum's permanent exhibition can be visited free of charge on this day with a registration ticket. YOU CAN PURCHASE YOUR REGISTRATION TICKET ONLINE ONLY HERE: https://kiralyikastely.jegy.hu/

Note that some of the programmes or events could be subject to previous registration.

 

Listings

Parliament Building

1055 Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3.
+36 1 441 4000

Buda Castle

Budapest, Szent György tér 2. 1014

Hungarian National Gallery

Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014
+36 20 439 7331

Hungarian National Museum

1088 Budapest, Múzeum krt. 14-16, Hungary
+36 1 338-2122

Vajdahunyad Castle

1146 Budapest, Vajdahunyad sétány
+36 1 422 0765