Explore Hungarian art inside the royal palace. This 2026 Hungarian National Gallery visitor guide covers ticket prices, dome access, and collection highlights.
When I walked up the winding paths of Buda Castle to the Hungarian National Gallery, I expected just another stuffy museum. I was wrong. The setting alone is regal — it occupies the main wings of the Royal Palace — but the collection inside is surprisingly gritty and emotional. Seeing the massive, dark canvases of Mihály Munkácsy in person feels completely different from looking at them online; the scale is overwhelming. It is a dense, serious collection, but the views from the dome offer a perfect, airy antidote.
Quick overview
The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry costs 5,400 HUF for the permanent collection, which includes access to the panoramic dome. It is closed on Mondays.
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
| 5,400 HUF | Tue–Sun: 10:00 – 18:00 | Szent György tér 2 (Buda Castle) | Kids under 6 | 17:00 |
How much does the Hungarian National Gallery cost?
Ticket prices are straightforward, but note that temporary exhibitions often cost extra. The standard ticket gets you into the main buildings and the dome.
| Ticket type | Price (HUF) | Who qualifies |
| Full Price | 5,400 HUF | Adults (Permanent collection) |
| Concession | 2,700 HUF | EEA Citizens aged 6–26 or 62–70 |
| Family Adult | 2,700 HUF | Adults accompanying 2+ kids (under 18) |
| Audio Guide | 1,200 HUF | Available in English |
Note: If you are a citizen of the EEA (EU + Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), bring your ID. The 50% discount for seniors and youth is strictly enforced and only applies to EEA citizens.
Is the Hungarian National Gallery free to enter?
Standard entry is paid, but there are generous exemptions for specific dates and groups.
- National Holidays: Free for everyone on 15 March, 20 August, and 23 October.
- Children: Free for all children under 6 years old (any nationality).
- Seniors (70+): Free for EEA citizens over 70.
- Budapest Card: Holders get free entry to the permanent exhibitions.
What time does the Hungarian National Gallery open?
The gallery follows the standard European “closed on Mondays” rule.
- Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
- Mondays: Closed
- Last Admission: 17:00 (Ticket desk closes)
- Closing Procedure: Halls start clearing at 17:30.
Warning: The Dome closes earlier than the main museum if the weather is bad. If you want the view, go up as soon as you arrive rather than saving it for the end.
Why book the Budapest Card?
- Unlimited public transport: Use buses, trams, metro and suburban trains across Budapest for the validity of your card.
- Free entry to museums and attractions: Enjoy complimentary access to many of the city’s leading cultural sites, galleries and historic locations.
- Discounts on tours and experiences: Receive reduced prices on river cruises, baths, walking tours and selected partner experiences.
- Flexible validity options: Choose from 24, 48 or 72 hours of sightseeing flexibility to match your travel plans.
- Useful city guide included: Your card comes with a guidebook or digital guide to help you make the most of your time in Budapest.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
For the permanent collection, you rarely need to book in advance; you can usually buy tickets at the door with a short queue. However, for major temporary exhibitions (like the 2026 Tihanyi retrospective), booking online is smarter to guarantee your timeslot and skip the line.
History of the gallery
The gallery is housed in Buildings A, B, C, and D of the Buda Royal Palace. While the palace looks Baroque, much of it is a post-WWII reconstruction. The gallery itself was established in 1957 to separate Hungarian art from international works (which are kept at the Museum of Fine Arts in Pest). It moved into this palace location in 1975, creating a symbolic home for the nation’s art atop its most historic hill.
Inside: What to see
- The Dome: Accessible from the top floor. It offers one of the best panoramic views of the Danube Parliament building without the crowds of the Fisherman’s Bastion.
- Munkácsy Hall: The home of 19th-century realist Mihály Munkácsy. His massive paintings, like The Condemned Cell, are dark, dramatic, and emotionally heavy.
- Late Gothic Winged Altars: Located in the throne room. These intricate wooden masterpieces are some of the few survivors of Hungary’s turbulent middle ages.
- 19th Century Landscapes: Look for Károly Markó the Elder’s works. They portray a romanticized, glowing version of the Hungarian countryside.
- Modern Art: The post-1945 collection is a fascinating look at how artists navigated censorship and expression during the Communist era.
What’s included with your ticket?
A standard permanent exhibition ticket includes:
- Access to Buildings A, B, C, and D.
- Entry to the Panorama Dome (weather permitting).
- Photography permit (no flash or tripods).
- NOT Included: The Palatine Crypt (requires a separate guided tour ticket) and temporary exhibitions.
Things to do near the Hungarian National Gallery
Fisherman’s Bastion (700m, 9 min walk)
The fairytale turrets offering the classic view of Budapest. It is free to walk the lower decks, but the upper turrets have a fee.
Matthias Church (700m, 9 min walk)
A stunning distinctively coloured tiled roof church. It was the site of royal coronations and feels incredibly ancient inside.
Hospital in the Rock (900m, 12 min walk)
A secret emergency hospital and nuclear bunker built into the caves under the castle. It is a chilling guided tour experience.
Ruszwurm Confectionery (650m, 8 min walk)
One of the oldest cafes in the city. It is tiny and famous for its “Ruszwurm Cream Cake” (krémes).
Castle Hill Funicular (300m, 4 min walk)
The historic cable car that connects the Chain Bridge to the Castle. It saves your legs from the steep climb.
For a very different type of art in Budapest, head to the Vasarely Museum in Obuda.
Practical tips
- Access: The easiest entrance is from Szent György tér, near the funicular station. The “Savoyai Terrace” entrance offers great views but can be harder to find.
- Cloakroom: You must check large bags and coats. The cloakroom is free.
- Photography: You can take photos for free with your phone. Just turn off the flash.
- Flooring: The parquet floors are squeaky and old. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking across multiple wings.
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
| Is the crypt included? | No, the Habsburg Palatine Crypt requires a separate ticket and is visitable only by guided tour. |
| Can I enter with a backpack? | No, large bags must be left in the cloakroom or lockers (free of charge). |
| Is there a cafe? | Yes, there is a cafe inside, but you can only access it with a valid museum ticket. |
| Is it wheelchair accessible? | Yes, there are lifts connecting the floors. Ask staff for the accessible route map as the building layout is complex. |
| How long does a visit take? | Allow 2 to 3 hours to see the main highlights and visit the dome. |
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