Cultural Avenue

The phrase "cultural avenue" was devised by Budapest-loving culture and tourism experts around 2000. They were trying to adapt the popular term Museum Mile of some American cities into Hungarian. They figured that a similar institution exists in Budapest, and it can be explored on foot or using the excellent public transport, although it is not situated along one single road and has a large river in between. A significant share of Budapest’s invariably righ culture is lying along this axis. In fact, nearly half of it lies along the straight Andrássy út, which was built by the Founding Fathers of Budapest in order to create a representative riding and cart-driving route between the city centre, and the City Park (Városliget), which was becoming fashionable at the time. In a broader sense, the Cultural Avenue means the way from the Castle to the City Park, while in the narrower sensem it means Andrássy út + the sights in the City Park

Hungarian National State Opera House (District 6, Andrássy út 22.)

Public transport: Take Underground Line No.1 to Opera station

The Hungarian National State Opera House was finished in 1884. A masterpiece of Hungarian architect Miklós Ybl, it is one of the most magnificent of its kind in Europe. It has 1200 seats, and has been completely renovated by 1984. The roof of the building features the sculptures of distinguished composers of the Opera — you can even read the incriptions under, through binocalars. The musical director if the opera was Gustav Mahler between 1886 and 89, but intrigue and incomprehension of his art soon drove him away. The Hungarian Philharmonic Society, which was formed by opera musicians, has been operating ever since 1853, and holds its concerts on Mondays.

(Further information: www.opera.hu)

BUDAPEST CARD DISCOUNT FOR OPERA TOUR: 10%

HALF-A-DAY WALK: ALONG ANDRÁSSY ÚT

Access: walk

Post Museum (District 6, Andrássy út 3.) This outstandingly interesting collection is displayed in the former 6-bedroom home of the Saxlehner family, who got rich by making soda-water. The building offers a nice view on the Basilica. (Further information: www.postamuzeum.hu) BUDAPEST CARD DISCOUNT: 20%

Fashion Hall (District 6, Andrássy út 39.) This former store consists of two parts: the back side hosts the dance hall of the former Lipótváros Casino from 1883, while the street front was finished in 1911. It is waiting for its new function, which is likely to be a museum.

Mai Manó House (District 6, Nagymező utca 20.) It is one of Europe’s most interesting pieces of applied and fine art: an exhibition studio of a successful photographer, which was opened for the public in 1999. (Further information: www.maimano.hu) BUDAPEST CARD DISCOUNT: 20%

House of Terror (District 6, Andrássy út 60.) This house was the scene of institutionalized terror acts committed first by the Hungarian fascists, then the Hungarian Communist secret police. The museum and exhibition hall was designed with a lot of fantasy and aroused debates as well. It was opened in 2002. (Further information: www.terrorhaza.hu) BUDAPEST CARD DISCOUNT: 20%

Ferenc Hopp East Asia Museum (District 6, Andrássy út 103.) The villa used to belong to a successful businessman and collector (1833-1919). It is a place for silence and looking inward, a small, familiar institution that belongs to the Museum of Applied Arts. BUDAPEST CARD DISCOUNT: 20%

KoGart House (District 6, Andrássy út 112.) This new exhibition institution was established with the help of private funding from a successful banker and investor in order to bring the new Hungarian business elite closer to contemporary art. (Further information: www.kogart.hu)

Rest and lunch: in KogArt House

A WHOLE-DAY PROGRAMME: ADD HEROES SQUARE AND CITY PARK TO THE SIGHTS ABOVE

Access: walk

Museum of Fine Arts (District 14, Heroes Square)
The building borders the square from the left. It was finished in 1906 and displays a foreign art collection — including a modern section. The Spanish collection is quite significant and strong, especially El Greco’s paintings are often referred to in this context. The Flamish and Dutch graphical material is also significant. The musuem is open until 10 p.m. on Thursdays. Its renovation has been constantly ongoing since the second world war. (Further information: www.szepmuveszeti.hu) BUDAPEST CARD DISCOUNT: 10%

Műcsarnok Art Hall (District 14, Heroes Square) This ornamental building was completed in 1896. Since it does not have its own collection, it is not a museum but hosts various exhibitions.. BUDAPEST CARD DISCOUNT: 20%

Roundabout in the Amusement Park (District 14, Állatkerti körút 14-16.) This traditional roundabout was built in 1908, and has become integrated into the Hungarian collective memory due to Ferenc Molnár’s play. Its renovation, which was financed by public donations, earned the Europa Nostra award in 1996. BUDAPEST CARD DISCOUNT: 15%

Museum of Agriculture (District 14, Vajdahunyadvár) The famous building complex was originally constructed as an expo installation. The museum, which is situated in the Baroque wing of the complex, has permanent and changing exhibitions as well. (Further information: www.mezogazdasagimuzeum.hu) BUDAPEST CARD DISCOUNT: 25%

Museum of Transportation (District 14, Városligeti körút 11.) Relics of all methods of transportation, including operational models, but the exhibition shows much more than just machines. (Further information: www.km.iif.hu) BUDAPEST CARD DISCOUNT: 20%

Rest and lunch: in Bagolyvár Restaurant (District 14, Állatkerti körút 2.) SPECIAL BUDAPEST CARD DISCOUNT!