Memento Park

Budapest, Hungary

Memento Park is an open-air museum in Budapest, dedicated to monumental statues from Hungary's Communist period (1949–1989). There are statues of Lenin, Marx, and Engels, as well as several Hungarian Communist leaders. The park was designed by Hungarian architect Ákos Eleőd, who won the competition announced by the Budapest General Assembly in 1991.

Memento Park is divided into two sections: Statue Park, officially named “A Sentence About Tyranny” Park after a poem of the same name by Gyula Ilyés, and Witness Square (also called 'Neverwas Square'). Statue Park houses 42 of the statues that were removed from Budapest after the fall of communism. Witness Square holds a replica of Stalin's Boots which became a symbol of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 after the statue of Stalin was pulled down from its pedestal in 1956.

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Details

Founded: 1991
Category: Museums in Hungary

Rating

4.1/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Carlos Herrada (5 months ago)
Super kind lady selling the tickets. It's a part of Budapest you forget was history there. Old USSR and the statues to remind you of where you are standing. It was absolutely freezing the day we went so highly recommend warm clothes. They sold coffee and other drinks that helped.
Maxime Lenssens (6 months ago)
Nice for a sunny day stroll It's indeed outside if the city, but public transport in Budapest ia among the best, if not the best in Europe. Got there very easily using Google maps Statues, exhibition and a Trabant car
Jacob Ambach (6 months ago)
Today, I had the pleasure of visiting this hidden gem just an hour from Budapest city center. The journey was straightforward, especially by public transport, and the experience was well worth the trip. As you arrive, you’re welcomed by imposing statues of Lenin, Karl Marx, and Friedrich Engels at the entrance, immediately setting the stage for the park’s distinctly Soviet atmosphere. Tickets can be purchased on-site, along with a detailed guidebook explaining the significance of the statues. Additionally, there’s a selection of Soviet-style memorabilia for sale, including a humorous parody of a Soviet passport, which I found particularly entertaining. For those seeking a deeper understanding, guided tours are available, though they need to be arranged in advance. The statues themselves are striking and serve as powerful historical reminders. Near the ticket office, there’s a vintage Trabant car where visitors can hop inside and take photos—a playful nod to the era. Close to the entrance, you’ll also find a small barrack featuring an exhibition about Hungary’s communist government, which ruled until the transition to democracy in 1989. The exhibition includes a fascinating documentary said to contain footage used in espionage training for new recruits. I found it to be an especially intriguing and thought-provoking part of the visit.
Chip Vogt (6 months ago)
Bruh! This place is epic! So many authentic Soviet monuments collected in one area instead of being destroyed. There are also vintage pins and medals to purchase at the ticket office. The museum gives you great context to what you are viewing.
Nichola Sherriff (7 months ago)
Highly highly recommend the park and the guided tour and take some pocket money for the fab postcards and CCCP related memorabilia / I took the bus (101e) from the bus station in Budapest which was cheap and quick - spent about 2 hours at the park and the tour was worth every penny ! Note do not happen every day so check and book in advance
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