Charting the history of both the Royal Palace and Budapest

The Budapest History Museum (Budapesti Történeti Múzeum) presents the city in an attractive historical light. Beginning with the earliest tribal settlements, artefacts, illustrations and excavation photos (all described in English) trace Budapest's development up to the present day.

Displays at the Budapest History Museum (Budapesti Történeti Múzeum) focus on key symbols: Charles of Lothringen's Triumphal Arch to celebrate the defeat of the Ottomans; the Danube; the May Day 1919 red drapes, which represent the Socialist ideal; and contemporary urban sites, including József Finta's hotels and bank centres contrasted with Imre Makovecz's organic villas and yurt houses. A dark room is full of ghoulish Gothic statues unearthed at the castle, some even pre-dating King Mátyás.