Hungarian National Gallery — Attraction in Budapest

Warning: This is a bit long story. Summary: I was annoyed by a staff of the Hungarian National Gallery asking about my nationality, implying "I know for sure that you are not an EU citizen so I don't need to check any of your official IDs (because you look different with Europeans and you look obviously Asian)." I was annoyed by a student discount policy which treats me only as a non-European, not as a student.

"Good evening! Ah, I'm a student, could I get..."

When I was about to show my student ID for a possible student fare, a staff of the Hungarian National Gallery refused to see it and instead, asked me with a little bit annoyed look,

"Where are you from?" "Ah... I'm from South Kore..." "You are not an EU citizen. You cannot get a student discount."

I sometimes couldn't get a student discount because I'm over 25 years old. But the staff's explanation was totally new to me. I didn't want to look like an Asian person who is really obsessed with a discount to her, so I tried to kindly make a claim.

"Oh, this is my first time ever to hear that I cannot get a student discount because I am not an EU citizen. Is a policy a bit different with that of other museums here?"

"You are not an EU citizen, right? Only EU citizens can get a student discount."

Even after I entered the museum, I could not focus on the exhibition well. It seemed like all Hungarian painters' great pieces talked to me, "Hey, what are you doing here? Why are you looking at me?" "How come are you studying European affairs in our European countries? You are not even an EU citizen!"

I started to think she probably judged me based on my facial color and appearance and felt like discriminated. She should've checked my ID first before directly asking about my nationality.

I went back to that staff and asked for the document which elaborates on the related policy. (Attached below. You can see that it only kindly requests Swiss citizens' understanding.)

At one taco place near the gallery, I carefully read the document. Even then, I still hoped all was due to an individual staff's misreading and misunderstanding.

Unfortunately, that taco place was where I realized the actual Raison d'Etat of the European Union lies in the exclusion of non-Europeans.

It is the European Union because there are non-Europeans.

I might be a person sticking to a discount. Maybe. But I am also a student with a social science major supporting anti-racism. I experienced racism in the museum because I do not look like a European person. It might be just a trivial happening compared to a serious racism problem in the world. According to my elementary school teachers, however, this is nothing else but racial...

The Hungarian National Gallery in Budapest is an absolute gem for anyone interested in Hungarian art and history. The gallery offers not only an extensive collection but also breathtaking views of the city and the Danube River.

What impressed me most about the gallery was its focus on Hungarian art, which spans several centuries—from medieval times to contemporary works. It’s rare to find such a comprehensive collection in one place, and it truly allows visitors to appreciate the country’s rich cultural heritage. The medieval stone carvings and Gothic altars were particularly striking, providing a glimpse into Hungary’s early artistic traditions.

The gallery also showcases masterpieces from the Romantic and Realist periods, including works by renowned Hungarian painters like Miklós Barabás and Mihály Munkácsy. The way the exhibits are curated makes it easy to follow the progression of artistic styles, and there’s enough context provided for non-experts to understand the significance of the pieces.

Another highlight is the temporary exhibitions, which bring a fresh and dynamic element to the gallery. When I visited, there was a contemporary art exhibition that offered a fascinating contrast to the historical works, showing how Hungarian art continues to evolve.

The building itself is impressive, blending historical architecture with modern gallery spaces. Walking through the various wings felt like a journey through time. Plus, the views from the gallery's terraces are spectacular—definitely a bonus after spending a few hours immersed in art.

One thing I would recommend is to take your time here. The gallery is large, and there’s so much to see that it’s worth dedicating a few hours to truly explore everything. Overall, the Hungarian National Gallery offers a well-rounded cultural experience, blending art, history, and stunning surroundings in one place. It’s a must-visit for anyone...

The permanent exhibition is worth the visit and the price, for sure. I would go back because I like art and there are worthwhile things to see there.

But, as many on here have stated, the staff are bonkers. They all walk about like Judge "I am the law" Dredd. It's not just one of them, so I can only assume that they are all being instructed to act in this way by some gallery manager who has mistaken their job for a drill sergeant - you are running a gallery space not preparing your staff for the apocalypse. Seriously, that person needs to read a book on public relations... it is, after all, their job.

I was walking about (enjoying myself) as you do in a gallery, but every time I turned a corner there was a creepy security person glaring at me as if I was going to steal some priceless peice. Don't bother smiling at them to break the tension, they treat that kind of behaviour with the utmost suspicion.

As soon as it reached 17:20, staff assembled at the entrances to each section like bouncers and told us it was time to get out (it's open till 6pm, apparently). It wasn't enough that we were followed about by these people the whole time we were there but to be hustled down the stairs like a person whose been caught trying to shoplift just seemed excessive.

I actually couldn't believe it when I had collected my bag and was pulling on my coat when another security guard approached and told me I had to leave. This this was at 17:40... I was 2 meters away from the exit, pulling on my jacket, on my way out. Honestly, the whole thing has baffled me. I am lucky enough to have visited a few galleries in a few places and I have never seen anything like it.

All i can say is if this was performance art it was very affecting...