MNMKK National Széchényi Library

Night of Museums 2025 at the National Széchényi Library 

On Saturday evening, 21st June 2025 the MNMKK National Széchényi Library welcomes visitors again with special programmes. During the Night of Museums, from 6 PM to midnight, you will have the opportunity to explore the hidden treasures, unique collections, and some of the areas of the national library that are usually locked in building F of the Buda Castle. The evening will be filled with exciting lectures, concerts, arts and crafts workshops, and interactive experiences, making it a memorable event for all ages. 

One of the highlights of the event is a performance by the Feledi Project called Wedding, which portrays primal feminine power through the stories of three women on the night before their wedding. Danny Bain’s musical performance takes us to the world of tales, featuring the story of Kodzsugukila, the Witch. The life and poetry of Attila József are brought to life by Miklós Vecsei H. and Erik Tempfli in their performance Tell me, my Atika!, followed by a musical tribute to Tamás Cseh by the band Vodku fiai, evoking the spirit of legendary past evenings. 

Those curious to have a look behind the scenes can join guided tours of the building of the library or can explore the hidden nooks of the two towers with a torch during a special storage tour. The journalistic past of Mór Jókai also comes to life here, with a related quiz that playfully showcases the writer’s versatility. Fans of arts and crafts can enjoy Japanese bookbinding, while those seeking active relaxation will find delight in Gábor Gondos's giant jigsaw puzzles, which offer both fun and visual enjoyment. 

A special feature of the evening is the 10th anniversary book auction, where old and new books, maps, posters, and other rarities can be exchanged. Visitors who enjoy playful challenges can also test themselves in the escape room of the national library called Time-Travelling Manuscript, in which they search for Mór Jókai’s lost manuscript. 

During the event, the NSZL offers free membership: new members can sign up with no library usage fee, and existing readers can also renew their membership free of charge. 

The National Library of Foreign Literature also joins this special night: visitors can take part in ‘Tünde’ writing (Hungarian runic writing) workshops and they can enjoy a chanson evening by Bori Orbán and Kristóf Pánczél. In addition to French and Hungarian songs, this time the concert will feature Italian, Portuguese, and other international melodies. Curious visitors can take a look into the usually inaccessible storage rooms of the library. 

The Cistercian Abbey Library in Zirc will also be part of the celebration: a reprography presentation will show how digital copies are made of valuable historical documents, and visitors can join a special guided tour and enjoy a classical concert by the Kodály String Quartet. 

Tickets for the programmes will be available from 28th May 2025, both in person at the MNMKK National Széchényi Library and online via the Jegymester platform. When buying online, please select the National Széchenyi Library as the institution you wish to support. 

Join us for this cultural adventure that goes far into the night! 

Tickets for the Night of Museums will be available at the library from 28th May 2025. 

Admission: 

• Adult ticket: 3000 HUF 

• Child ticket (ages 6–18): 1500 HUF 

• Free admission for children under 6 

• Free admission for people with disabilities 

Tickets can also be purchased online via the Jegymester website starting 28th May 2025. When buying online, please select the National Széchényi Library as the institution you wish to support. Thank you! 

Getting to the Library 

The National Széchényi Library is located in the 1st district of the capital, in building F of the Buda Castle. Its main entrance opens from the Lion’s Courtyard, located between the National Gallery and the National Széchényi Library. 

The main entrance can be accessed via four routes: 

• On foot from Dísz Square, 

• On foot from Dózsa György Square, then using the elevators on Palota Street, 

• On foot from Várkert Bazár, then using the elevator, 

• On foot from Clark Ádám Square, or by funicular, then on foot. 

GET A FREE LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP FOR A YEAR 

On Saturday 21st June 2025 between 6:00 PM and midnight 

• New members: Annual library usage fee: 0 HUF, Card fee: 500 HUF 

• Renewals (monthly, half-year, or annual passes): Annual fee: 0 HUF 

• Card replacement: 500 HUF 
   Valid until 21st June 2026 (for new members and for renewals as well) 

• Time: 6:00 PM–00:00 

• Location: 5th floor, Registration Desk