The Hungarian National Museum houses the nation’s most important collection of historical relics in an impressive neoclassical building, purpose built in 1847. Exhibits trace the history of the Carpathian Basin from earliest times to the end of the Avar period, and the ongoing story of the Magyar people from the conquest of the basin to the end of communism. Don't miss King Stephen’s crimson silk coronation mantle and the Broadwood piano, used by both Beethoven and Liszt.
The museum was founded in 1802, when Count Ferenc Széchényi donated his personal collection of more than 20,000 prints, maps, manuscripts, coins and archaelogical finds to the state. Other highlights include Celtic gold and silver jewellery, a huge 2nd-century Roman mosaic and memorabilia from socialist times.
