Hungarian National Museum
(Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum)
The Hungarian National Museum is said to have been founded in
1802 when Count Ferenc Széchényi set up the National Széchényi
Library. This would then be followed a year later by the donating of a
mineral collection by Széchényi’s wife. This led to the creation of
the Hungarian National Museum as being a natural history museum, and
not only a library. In 1807 the Hungarian National Parliament passed
legislation on the new institution and asked the nation to help donate
to the museum.
The Hungarian Parliament of 1832- 1834 helped with the growth of
the museum as well. This parliament voted in favor of giving half a
million forint to help with the construction of a building for the
construction of a new building for the museum. During this time the
Hungarian National History Museum was officially set up under the
Hungarian National Museum. Later in 1846, the museum moved to its
current location of VIII. Múzeum krt. 14-16. Here the museum resides
in a neo-classical style building designed by Mihály Pollack.
In 1848 the Hungarian National Museum played a major role in the
Hungarian Revolution. The Revolution was partially spurred by the
reading of Sándor Petőfi’s 12 points and the famous poem Nemzeti dal
on the front steps of the museum. This helped give the museum an
identification as a major national identity for Hungary. In
remembrance of the revolution two statues were added to the museum.
The first is a statue of János Arany which was unveiled in 1883. Later
in 1890 there was a statue next to the stairs of the museum of a
memorial tablet to Sándor Petőfi. In addition during this time the
Upper House of the parliament held its sessions in the Cereminial of
the museum. This continued until the new house of Parliament was
built. Today in remembrance festivities for National Commemorations
Day of 1848 are held in front of the museum.
Photo 1882, May 2013