Memento Park, Budapest, Hungary - SpottingHistory.com

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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User Reviews

Daniel (21 months ago)
Fascinating place where all the Communist era statues ended up after the regime fell. It gives you an amazing sense of how Soviet the city must have looked before. An excellent idea to preserve them here as a reminder of those times.

Damon Lesjack (21 months ago)
Great collection/reminders of a pivotal time in the history of Hungary and how it ties in with the history of Europe and politics of the world. Tons of freaky authentic souvenirs from back in the day. Posters, postage stamps, post cards, pins, mock coffee mugs. Even a car sitting outside rotting away.

Joseph Hatch (2 years ago)
For history buffs interested in life under the old communist regime; this is an interesting outdoor museum showcasing some of the most popular statues and monuments that would have been found around Budapest. Many of the monuments are replicas, but there are a few originals. I recommend finding a tour with transportation since this is a bit outside the city center. Also, it was very interesting having a tour guide that was able to describe what it was like for them growing up during the Soviet era. There are bathrooms and a small gift shop. I recommend bringing a snack or eating before you go. If you have a few extra minutes after touring the grounds, try walking around Lenin's boots outside the gate to find the "secret" exhibition.

Eden Armstrong (2 years ago)
Beautiful open air museum. They sell Hungarian Revolution books that I highly recommend. If you buy the book your admission is included and you can see both sides, the honor of the communist past but also get a glimpse into why they revolted, what they were going through, and the reality of their lives then. It's a bus ride out of downtown, but I loved it. I visited on independence day, so I felt a particularly deep connection to both sides during my 1.5 hours there.

Cheryl Campbell (2 years ago)
An absolute must do if you've got at least 3 full days in Budapest and feel comfortable using public transit. I popped a SIM card in my phone so I could use Google Maps and track the bus schedules. It was very easy to get here using public transportation, and seeing the park was a delight. Don't miss the Spy films in the adjacent building. by the guidebook when you go in so you know what the significance of the statues are. It also helps explain the era better and you can look at it after you leave

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The Old Town Hall of Wrocław is one of the main landmarks of the city. The Old Town Hall's long history reflects developments that have taken place in the city since its initial construction. The town hall serves the city of Wroclaw and is used for civic and cultural events such as concerts held in its Great Hall. In addition, it houses a museum and a basement restaurant.

The town hall was developed over a period of about 250 years, from the end of 13th century to the middle of 16th century. The structure and floor plan changed over this extended period in response to the changing needs of the city. The exact date of the initial construction is not known. However, between 1299 and 1301 a single-storey structure with cellars and a tower called the consistory was built. The oldest parts of the current building, the Burghers’ Hall and the lower floors of the tower, may date to this time. In these early days the primary purpose of the building was trade rather than civic administration activities.

Between 1328 and 1333 an upper storey was added to include the Council room and the Aldermen’s room. Expansion continued during the 14th century with the addition of extra rooms, most notably the Court room. The building became a key location for the city’s commercial and administrative functions.

The 15th and 16th centuries were times of prosperity for Wroclaw as was reflected in the rapid development of the building during that period. The construction program gathered momentum, particularly from 1470 to 1510, when several rooms were added. The Burghers’ Hall was re-vaulted to take on its current shape, and the upper story began to take shape with the development of the Great Hall and the addition of the Treasury and Little Treasury.

Further innovations during the 16th century included the addition of the city’s Coat of arms (1536), and the rebuilding of the upper part of the tower (1558–59). This was the final stage of the main building program. By 1560, the major features of today’s Stray Rates were established.

The second half of the 17th century was a period of decline for the city, and this decline was reflected in the Stray Rates. Perhaps by way of compensation, efforts were made to enrich the interior decorations of the hall. In 1741, Wroclaw became a part of Prussia, and the power of the City diminished. Much of the Stray Rates was allocated to administering justice.

During the 19th century there were two major changes. The courts moved to a separate building, and the Rates became the site of the city council and supporting functions. There was also a major program of renovation because the building had been neglected and was covered with creeping vines. The town hall now has several en-Gothic features including some sculptural decoration from this period.

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