Discover bilingual guided tours at the Hungarian National Gallery in Budapest, spotlighting Lajos Tihanyi, modernism, sculpture, and curator-led insights throughout January–February 2026. Explore Hungary’s premier fine art collection.
when: 2026.01.09., Friday
where: Szent György tér 2., 1014 Budapest, 1. kerület, Magyarország
The Hungarian National Gallery in Budapest offers bilingual guided tours across its permanent and temporary exhibitions, tracing the rise and evolution of Hungarian fine art through the country’s largest public collection. January and early February 2026 are packed with deep dives into modernism, sculpture, and personal curatorial takes.
January Highlights
On January 9, 11, 17, 23, 29, and 31, 2026, Lázadó formák, merész színek – Tihanyi Lajos művészete (Rebellious Forms, Bold Colors – The Art of Lajos Tihanyi) anchors the program. Fényes Adolf művészete (The Art of Adolf Fényes) runs on January 10 and February 7. Catch TIHANYI 140 with curator Mariann Gergely on January 15, and Az ember a paletta mögött (The Person Behind the Palette), led by art historian Gergely Barki, on January 16. Writer Rita Halász brings two subjective tours, Betonba hímezve (Embroidered in Concrete), on January 17 and 31. Aktszobrok a századfordulóról (Nude Sculptures from the Turn of the Century) arrives on January 18.
February Focus
On February 6, 2026, Budapest–Berlin–Párizs. Tihanyi Lajos útja az absztrakcióig (Budapest–Berlin–Paris. Lajos Tihanyi’s Road to Abstraction) is guided by writer and art historian Rita Halász, followed by another Tihanyi tour on February 8.
2025, adrienne
Pros
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Family-friendly vibe: bilingual guided tours make it easy for kids and adults to follow along, and themes range from bold colors to sculpture, so everyone can latch onto something
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Good intro to Hungarian art: clear focus on Tihanyi, Fényes, and turn-of-the-century sculpture helps you grasp the big names and movements without needing deep background
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Central, famous venue: the Hungarian National Gallery is inside Buda Castle, a landmark most visitors already plan to see
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No Hungarian required: tours are bilingual, so you can ask questions and get context in English
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Easy to reach: trams, buses, and the Castle Hill Funicular get you close; rideshare and taxis are straightforward, and driving/parking is possible but limited
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Unique compared to typical European museum tours: tight curatorial angles (e.g., Tihanyi 140, subjective writer-led walks) feel more personal than standard “greatest hits” tours
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Great winter activity: January–February dates make it a warm, culture-rich option when outdoor sightseeing is chilly
Cons
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Niche subject: Tihanyi and Fényes aren’t internationally famous like Picasso or Van Gogh, so casual visitors might feel less “wow” factor
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Schedule-specific: tours are on fixed dates; if you miss a day, you may not catch that theme
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Crowds and stairs: Buda Castle can be busy, and museum navigation involves some walking; stroller use is possible but can be awkward on peak days
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Driving isn’t ideal: castle-area parking is limited and can be pricey compared to using public transit or rideshare
