Dent, Bob: Budapest for Children - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1992)
8. Intor the Past - Museums
INTO THE PAST 59 the parliament (“Kossuth tér” metro station, or no. 2 tram.) There are two permanent exhibitions: “The traditional culture of the Hungarian people” and “From Clans to Civilisation”. The former is excellent and contains a large display dealing with Hungarian folk traditions (mainly 19th century) — crafts, lifestyles, costumes, furniture, working tools, village life, etc. There are many life-size models and there is text in English throughout. The other exhibition deals with ancient cultures of non- European peoples. As the title implies it is a little bit old-fashioned in its emphasis on the “exotic” and strange, but also has a high visual impact. Text is only in Hungarian. In addition, there can be several temporary exhibitions on display. Open 10-18 except Monday. Free entrance for children, pensioners and people with disabilities. Free entrance for all on Tuesdays. For wheelchair access there is entrance at the back with a ramp and from there all floors can be reached by lift. No buffet. The education service can arrange guided tours in English and/or film and slide shows. For details ring 112-4878. The museum often arranges special activities for children. In the summer there is usually something going on three times a week (no charge). This might involve handicrafts, painting, toy-making, food preparation, films, etc. — anything connected with folk themes. Details from the above number. The building of the museum was constructed in the 1890s for the Supreme Court, hence its grandiose nature. The large hall just beyond the main entrance is superb and worth a look on its own. Concerts of folk song and traditional music often take place here. Information again from the above number. Transport Museum [Közlekedési Múzeum] Situated in the far, southwest corner of the City Park (6). (No. 11 Városligeti körút; walk across the park, or trolleybus no. 74 from Dohány u. in the centre.) Lots of large items and models on display showing the history of road, rail and shipping transport in Hungary. Texts are in Hungarian, but a cassette in English can be hired and a booklet about the exhibits in English is on sale.
