200 Years of Mór Jókai

The most significant cultural anniversary of the year celebrates one of Hungary’s greatest writers and statesmen, Mór Jókai. The nationwide “Jókai 200” commemorative year honors the “Lord of Storytellers,” and this summer Night of Musems proudly joins the tribute.

Jókai’s novels delight while shaping character and strengthening national identity. His heroes grow beyond themselves, transcending their own destinies. As both novelist and public figure, Jókai offers a timeless example – one which the Night of Museums cannot overlook.

On 21 June, museums will mark the Jókai 200 jubilee with a rich array of programs. The spotlight falls on Jókai’s era, his works, and every association linked to his name. His prolific literary career – with its blend of Romanticism and Realism – opens countless creative avenues. Yet the celebration reaches beyond literature: Jókai’s public life and the age he lived in – its fashions, cuisine, and technological advances – will all come alive on this year’s Night of Musems

The mission is clear fot the Night of Musems: to spark the curiosity of those who seldom (or never) set foot in museums. Special exhibitions and companion events will immerse visitors in Jókai’s world through music, theatre, and the visual arts. The broader context of the era – its infrastructure, lifestyles, and gastronomy – helps to paint a vivid picture of how each period takes shape, from early forerunners to its greatest creators.

You’ll find every Jókai 200–themed program listed by city and venue on our website or in the Muzéj mobile app. Dive in and discover the stories behind the storyteller!