On the anniversary of the 1848–1849 Revolution and War of Independence, you are very welcome with free programmes again – including guided tours in the building of the library in English, Spanish, Italian, and German.
[1]
[2]
[3]
On the anniversary of the 1848–1849 Revolution and War of Independence, you are very welcome with free programmes again – including guided tours in the building of the library in English, Spanish, Italian, and German – on 15 March 2026, between 10:00–17:00.
During the guided tours, led by the colleagues working in the library, visitors can learn fascinating facts about our unique collection and the palace building. Thanks to GondosDesign, guests can enjoy several giant puzzles, and at our bargain book stall, you can find foreign-language publications available for purchase for 300 forints (less than one euro).
At the exhibition Vershaza, [4] you can view the manuscripts of three defining works of Hungarian national identity, including the 1823 manuscript of Ferenc Kölcsey’s poem, the first stanza of which became the text of the Hungarian national anthem. The English-language interfaces of the exhibition-screens help visitors with orientation.
On the occasion of the Open Day, our temporary exhibition, [5] featuring the works of contemporary photographer Tamás Féner, on view only for another few days, can also be visited free of charge.
Visitors can also enjoy special spring discounts in our book and gift shop.
[6]
[7]
PROGRAMME
GUIDED TOURS IN THE BUILDING OF THE LIBRARY IN ENGLISH
During the guided tour of the National Széchényi Library, visitors receive an introduction to the history and collections of Hungary’s national library. The tour also offers the opportunity to explore the various floors and Reading Rooms of the library.
Venue: 5th floor, starting from the main staircase
Duration: 40 minutes
Time:
- 11.00
- 13.00
- 15.00
GEBÄUDEFÜHRUNG DURCH DIE NATIONALBIBLIOTHEK SZÉCHÉNYI
IN DEUTSCHER SPRACHE
Während ihres Besuchs in der Nationalbibliothek Széchényi erhalten unsere Gäste Informationen über die Geschichte und die Sammlungen der ungarischen Nationalbibliothek. Gleichzeitig haben sie die Möglichkeit, die verschiedenen Ebenen und Lesesäle der Bibliothek zu besichtigen und einen Einblick in diese zu gewinnen.
Treffpunkt: Fünfte Ebene, Beginn an der Haupttreppe
Dauer: 40 Minuten
Uhrzeit:
- 11.30
- 14.15
[8]
[9]
VISITA GUIDATA IN LINGUA ITALIANA NELLA BIBLIOTECA NAZIONALE SZÉCHÉNYI
Durante la visita dell'edificio, il gruppo può conoscere la storia e il funzionamento del palazzo e della biblioteca, ricevere informazioni sulle collezioni e sui compiti della biblioteca, e visitare i diversi piani dell'edificio, conoscendo anche le aree di lettura.
Punto d’incontro: quinto (5°) piano, al livello dell'ingresso principale, partendo dalla scala principale
Durata: 40 minuti
Disponibile a:
- 13.30
- 15.30
VISITA GUIADA EN EL EDIFICIO DE LA BIBLIOTECA NATIONAL SZÉCHÉNYI
Durante la visita al edificio, los visitantes reciben información sobre la historia y las colecciones de la biblioteca nacional de Hungría. Al mismo tiempo tienen la oportunidad de recorrer las distintas plantas del edificio, incluyendo las salas de lectura.
Punto de encuentro: 5ª planta, inicio desde la escalera principal
Duración: 40 minutos
Horario:
- 13.00
- 16.00
[10]
[11]
TAMÁS FÉNER PHOTO EXHIBITION
Visit the exhibition, on view only for another few days, on 15 March!
The Historical Photography and Interview Collection of the National Széchényi Library present an exhibition by photo artist Tamás Féner titled “I Write a Poem as It Comes” – Structural Games, Constructions. Constructive Games, Structures, featuring works from the artist’s most recent creative period, spanning 2015 to 2025.
You can read about the exhibition in more detail here. [5]
Venue: 7th floor
Time: continuous programme between 10:00–17:00
[12]
[13]
INDOOR PLAYGROUND FEATURING UNIQUE JIGSAW PUZZLES
Giant, beautifully designed jigsaw puzzles will be available to play with, courtesy of Gábor Gondos and Gondosdesign. Inspired by Corvina patterns, Arabesque designs, and fractals, these board games (some as large as 180 cm in diameter) offer multiple solutions and participants can also create their own design. Recommended for families with children aged 6+, and for fun-loving adults.
Venue: 6th floor, Ceremonial Hall
Time: continuous programme between 10:00–17:00
[14]
[15]
ARTS AND CRAFTS WORKSHOP
Make a cockade fan with us! Colleagues working in the library welcome children and families at our craft table.
Venue: 6th floor, in front of the Corvina Tapestry
Time: continuous programme between 10:00–17:00
TAKE IT AWAY! BARGAIN BOOK SALE
We warmly welcome everyone who enjoys browsing old publications—not only books. Treasures available for 300 HUF each, while stocks last.
Venue: 6th floor, Founders’ Hall
Time: continuous programme between 10:00–17:00
[16]
[17]
We reserve the right to change the programme.
We would like to draw your attention to the fact that pictures and videos are taken at the events.
By participating in the event, you acknowledge that the HNMPCC National Széchényi Library
will use the recordings on its website, social media platforms, as well as in the press.
Getting to the library
The National Széchényi Library is located in the 1st district of the capital, in building F of the Buda Castle. The main entrance is from the Lion’s Courtyard, located between the National Gallery and the National Széchényi Library.
The main entrance can be accessed via four routes:
- on foot from Dísz Square,
- on foot from Dózsa György Square, then using the elevators on Palota Street,
- on foot from Várkert Bazár, then using the elevator,
- on foot from Clark Ádám Square, or by funicular, then on foot.