On the last weekend of May, the garden of the Hungarian National Museum will once again come alive. The 28th May Day of Museums, Hungary’s largest museum festival, will be held with a special cultural picnic.

The event is taking place in the spirit of ICOM World Museum Day, which aims to demonstrate that a museum is not just an exhibition space but an inclusive and friendly space where people of all ages can feel at home.

Museums must constantly adapt to a rapidly changing world, responding to emerging social, technological, and environmental challenges. These challenges can range from transforming communities to reaching marginalized groups to climate change. This constant need to respond has given rise to the theme of the 2025 May Day, which is a shift in perspective and attitude.

During the Festival of Museums, the museum building and its exhibitions are open for free, and visitors can meet museums and exhibitors from different parts of the country in outdoor tents.

Exhibitors include:
the Open-Air Museum of Ethnography,
the Hungarian Academy of Sciences,
the National Archives,
the Janus Pannonius Museum,
the Vasarely Museum,
the Tiszazug Geographical Museum and
the Astronomical Observatory and Scientific Experience Center.

The museum's courtyard and garden will be transformed into a festival venue, where:

Tents from nearly 100 museums and exhibition venues await visitors - with interactive presentations, craft activities, and playful programs.
Stage programs and concerts - diverse musical productions will entertain visitors throughout both days.
Family activities: Children and parents can discover history and art together through playful tasks, treasure hunts, and craft programs.

The museum garden is a place for culture and gastronomy. Visitors can enjoy the day in a picnic atmosphere, as street food vendors offer local specialties, refreshments, and homemade cakes in the festival area.

Date: May 24–25, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday)
Venue: Hungarian National Museum, Budapest