Dent, Bob: Budapest for Children - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1992)
8. Intor the Past - Museums
64 INTO THE PAST dren, free for all on Tuesday. No buffet, no lift, and no English text to the permanent exhibition, but there are usually brochures in English for the temporary exhibitions and an English-speaking guide can be booked in advance (tel: 117-5222 ex. 71 or 82). Although the outside needs a good clean, the white interior of the building demonstrates its uniqueness. It was designed in the 1890s by Ödön Lechner who aimed here at linking Hungarian traditional styles with eastern, “Indian” roots. Museum of Fine Arts [Szépművészeti Múzeum] The huge building on the north side of Heroes Square (underground stop here). This is the country’s most important collection of foreign works of art. Probably only for children with a very special interest in art—there aren’t any “famous” paintings to show children, though there are plenty of minor works by well-known European masters. One problem is that the museum is undergoing long-term, major reconstruction and access to the different parts is unpredictable, e.g. the ancient Egypt section, which is usually of interest to children. Open 10-18 except Monday. Children free entrance. Lots of steps, but there is a possibility of using a lift on request. In August there are some children’s activities (drawing, etc.) in which foreign children could participate. English-speaking guides can be booked (tel: 142-9759). SMALL MUSEUMS The first three museums are situated in the Castle District (4). Museum of Commerce and Catering [Kereskedelmi és Vendéglátóipari Múzeum] At no. 4 Fortuna u. A ground-floor museum (just one small step for wheelchairs) in two parts. On the left the history of confectionery and pastry-shops with models of cake-making equipment, etc. and model shops. On the right the history of retail trading in the first half of this century—posters, model shops, goods, etc. Both
