Cseri Miklós - Horváth Anita - Szabó Zsuzsanna (szerk.): Discover Rural Hungary!, Guide (Szentendre, Hungarian Open Air Museum, 2007)

Some Historical Facts

The foundation of the Hungarian Open Air Museum was overdue, as opposed to Scandinavian and Western-European museums. As a result, it managed to avoid the scientific and professional problems of early stages. We use the most recent methodologies. The core of these is historical and ethnographical authenticity in terms of materials, structures, forms, furniture, villagescape, animals and vegetation. The buildings are chosen for relocation on the basis of a complex scientific concept, including the content of future exhibitions. The relocation is preceded by thorough scientific research by ethnographers and architects. The buildings are then recorded, dismantled and transported to the museum. A detailed technical plan based on the experiences of dismantling and thorough research is then drawn up to guide the rebuilding and furnishing. Cultural and educational programmes are then developed around the building and its surroundings. The building is then constructed and furnished with restored objects. It may take a decade in the case of certain buildings or regional units for the whole process to be completed. During the past 40 years the Hungarian Open Air Museum has become one of the most successful museums in the country Mother Theresa of Calcutta is beatified by Pope John Paul II. Pope John Paul II died. 2003 2005 sm Administration is moved into a new building; the Ethnographic Study Collection and Skanzen Galéria are opened. rn The Southern Transdanubia regional unit is completed.