Budapest’s Hungarian National Gallery is going full play mode for school-age kids through late fall and early winter, with hands-on workshops, animated tours, and museum education that puts experience before lecturing. Think drama games tucked between paintings, creative studio time after the galleries, and monthly themes that don’t require prior attendance. Ask, move, imagine—quiet voices not required.
Color It Again! – Museum Workshop for Kids (November)
On November 12, 19, and 26, 16:00–17:00, the theater moves into the Gallery’s halls. Kids step inside artworks and try on different roles while writing and acting out stories. Across the three dates, they craft the stage’s must-haves: mask, puppet, headpiece, and even design a set. King or queen, farmhand or goose girl—the point is pure play and make-believe.
Children participate independently without guardians during the session. Afterward, they’re escorted as a group back to the information desk at 17:30–17:40. Meeting point: information desk. Ages: 6–12. Max group: 15. Program fee: $6.60. The Creative Studio runs a fresh theme every month with a different activity each time. Sessions don’t build on each other, so you can jump in on any date. A monthly pass is also available: four sessions for $22.50 (instead of $26.50).
Adventure in the Gallery – St. Martin’s Day Fun
November 15 is all about St. Martin’s Day. Two guided tours dive into centuries-old legends, with detours to Saint Stephen, and let altarpieces and paintings spark stories about folk customs and festive feasts. Wandering the Gallery’s nooks and crannies becomes a lively, question-friendly quest.
10:30–11:15: guided tour for ages 6–9. Recommended ages: 6–9. Max: 20 kids. Duration: 45 minutes. Please book for the right age group so everyone enjoys the pace. Each child should join with an adult companion. Escort ratios: one child with one adult; for two or more children, up to two adults may accompany.
11:30–12:15: guided tour for ages 10–13. Recommended ages: 10–13. Max: 20 kids. Duration: 45 minutes. The same booking and escort guidelines apply: one child with one adult; for two or more children, a maximum of two adults.
Toddlers in the Gallery – Play for the Littlest Ones
Little Ladies and Gentlemen arrives November 18, 16:00–17:00. This toddler-friendly session peeks into elegant homes and salons of the past: how people lived and dressed, and how young ladies and little gentlemen spent their time back then. Recommended ages: 2–4. Max: 12 kids. Duration: 60 minutes.
Color It Again! – Museum Workshop for Kids (December)
On December 3, 10, and 17, 16:00–17:30, the workshop turns into a sparkling winter journey through standout works of Hungarian art. Imagination visits snowy, icy landscapes and warm, cheerful homes, pausing for a magical story at each stop. Beyond winter itself, these sessions gently lead into the holidays, meeting Saint Nicholas, Mary, and the infant Jesus. After games and gallery chats, kids create in the studio, inspired by the wintry tales.
Children attend independently and are brought back to the information desk as a single group at 17:30–17:40. Meeting point: information desk. Ages: 6–12. Max: 15. Program fee: $6.60. The Creative Studio offers a new theme and activity each month, with stand-alone sessions—join any time.
Toddlers – Shooting Stars
December 16, 16:00–17:00 brings a quiet winter afternoon under a bright celestial sign. A glowing star guides little explorers through the world of centuries-old altars. They’ll catch the angels’ song, then take an imaginary stroll through a winter landscape: fresh snow crunching underfoot, and all the ways white paint can shimmer. After the gallery adventure, it’s time to make holiday-ready art.
What do toddlers learn here? Perception and observation sharpen, language and rhythm grow, dexterity improves, and social skills bloom—without anyone noticing they’re learning. Join in; the joy of creating together guarantees smiles all around. Recommended ages: 2–4. Max: 12 kids. Duration: 60 minutes.
