Page 138 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Budapest
P. 138
136 BUD APEST AREA B Y AREA
Exploring the Museum’s Collection by the American forces during
World War II, they were removed
The steps of the Hungarian National Museum were the scene and stored in Fort Knox before
of a major event in Hungary’s history. According to tradi tion, being returned to Hungary
it was from these steps that, in 1848, the poet Sándor Petőfi in 1978.
first read his National Song, which sparked the upris ing In 2000, these other treasures
against Habsburg rule (see pp32–3). This day is com memo of the royal insignia were trans
ferred to the Domed Hall of
rated each year on 15 March, when the museum is decorated Parliament (see pp112–13),
in the national colours and a reenactment is performed. where they can also be visited.
Items from the museum’s rich collection, including works of
art, hist orical documents and photographs, vividly illustrate Archaeological Exhibition
this and other events from Hungary’s fascinating past.
The archaeological display was
opened in 2002 to celebrate
the 200th anniversary of the
museum’s foundation. The
visitor is taken through a display
of Hungary’s heritage, spanning
the period between 400 BC
and AD 804, from the first
inhabitants of the country at
Vértesszölős until the end of
the Early Medieval period,
immediately preceeding the
Hungarian Conquest.
The exhibition presents some
of the latest and important
archaeological finds, and
abounds in authentic recon
structions of the past.
11th–17th-Century
Exhibition
The exhibition begins in
Monument to poet János Arany in front of the Neo-Classical façade the Árpád era and features
one of the museum’s most
1893 and is by Alajos Stróbl. val uable exhibits, the crown
Museum Building
The notable features of the of Constantine IX Monomachus,
Built between 1837–47, interior include the magnificent decorated with enamel work.
according to a design by Mihály paintings by Mór Than and Also on display in this section
Pollack, this imposing Neo Károly Lotz in the main staircase. are the funeral decorations
Classical building is one of the of Béla III, Romanesque
finest manifestations of that sacred vessels, weapons
architectural epoch. Coronation Mantle and an interesting collection
The façade is preceded by One of the most important of coins and minting tools.
a monumental portico, which Hungarian treasures, the
is crowned by a tympanum coronation mantle (see pp24–5),
designed by Raffael Ponti. The is currently on display in a
composition depicts the figure separate hall of its own in the
of Pannonia (see p22) among museum. Made of Byzantine
personifications of the arts silk, it was originally donated
and sciences. to the church by St Stephen in
In the gardens surrounding 1031. The magnificent gown
the museum there are a num was then refashioned in the
ber of statues of prominent 13th century. The now much
figures from the spheres of faded cloth features an intricate
literature, science and art. A embroidered design of fine gold
monument to the poet János thread and pearls. Remarkably,
Arany, author of the Toldi Trilogy, the royal insignia, which includes
stands in front of the main a sceptre and golden crown,
entrance. This bronze and have survived Hungary’s Carved base of a chalice dating from
limestone work dates from dramatic history. Discovered the 15th century
136-137_EW_Budapest.indd 136 15/09/16 10:33 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Flashmap follow-on template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.5)
Date 7th January 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm
