House of Terror Museum

The museum tells the story of the treatment of the Hungarian people between world war one and 1991. The stories told by those interviewed are distressing and graphic but if you want a good understanding of the hardships, conditions and treatment during that period then this is an amazing place to go. You can do the whole thing without an audio guide but lots of things are written in Hungarian so it's best to get the guide to translate it all into your language. No photos allowed of the exhibition but the book of it all in the shop is only 2500huf so it's not an issue. Cloakroom is free, use it the building is roasting.

Excellent idea, visually nice, but misleading information and not good history museum. I was really looking forward to going to this museum. However, after leaving, I kind of regretted going there. For someone who knows nothing about the history of Hungary in the 1950s, it might be interesting, but you won't learn basically anything about the Nazi history of Hungary here. First they show you how Hungary was "robbed" by the Treaty of Trianon - that's when the first red flag comes up. Then Hungary is portrayed as only a victim of the Nazis - another red flag. And the rest of the museum is about the atrocities of the communists in the 1940s and 1950s. The museum becomes really interesting and extremely scary in the basement. Here you can imagine the suffering that people had to experience here. This is where you get chills. However, it is also the only place where you don't have paper documents to read and if you don't have a guide, you will learn almost nothing about these places. I also see it as a huge disrespect, when young teenagers are taking selfies in torture cells with a smile on their faces like if they are in Disneyland. Apparently, no one told them what was happening here and that they should have at least a little respect. And at the end they give you a guide where all those half-truths are repeated and at the end it is mentioned (as a bonus) that it is all thanks to Prime Minister Orbán. At that moment you realize that this museum is actually primarily political propaganda of the current government and history is only secondary. Personally, I see it as disrespect towards all those people who experienced real terror in this place. If you want a quality history museum, go to Prague or Berlin.

It is exactly what you expect: a deep dice into the history of the last century of this country. Also good as a replacement of other historical museums. The museum is well made over multiple floors. Went there during the opening hours and there was no queue to do.

An intense experience, a very well thought out and very well made museum. It offers a lot of very useful information, it is interactive, modern and useful. It is worth the money I paid, I highly recommend it.

Since everything is in Hungarian, highly recommend paying the extra fee for the audio guide. You walk from room to room and it triggers the audio guide to move onto the next explanation. My favorite rooms were the rooms displaying the propaganda posters as well as the basement cellars. Allocate 2 hours for the visit especially if you’re using the audio guide. Buy tickets at the ticket desk, no need to purchase online (don’t even think it’s an option). From the brochure: “The House of Terror is a museum now, but it was witness to two tragic periods in Hungary's 20th century history. In 1944, during the gruesome domination of the Hungarian Arrow Cross Party, this building, known as the "House of Loyalty," was the party headquarters of the Hungarian Nazis. Then between 1945 and 1956, the notorious communist terror organizations, the ÁVO and its successor, the ÁVH, took up residence here. 60 Andrássy Boulevard has become the house of terror and dread. This museum commemorates the victims of terror, but it is also a memento, reminding us of the acts of terrorist dictatorships.”

Fantastic exhibition and tour giving a great overview of Soviet occupation of Hungary following World War 2 and the savagery imposed on the Hungarian people during that period. Highly recommend a visit but make sure you get the audio guide for the extra 2000 HUF (about €5). Give yourself about 2 hours so you can take your time and get value from the visit.

Leaving aside its meaning and importance, it is a poorly organized organization designed to make money today rather than to show the suffering of the Hungarian people. I think it is more important to present the hardships and drama to the world in different languages (at no extra cost), but for 2000ft they only offer it in English. Hungarian people already know what happened in that period, whoever thought of organizing the whole museum in Hungarian is wrong!

I had never been here before, and it was incredibly interesting to rediscover my country’s history. The exhibition is very visual, with lots of interviews on the screens and many pictures. I’d also add that I believe the audio guide is a must. Without it, the experience could become a bit dull, but the audio guide turns it into a captivating journey through Hungary’s turbulent times. You can buy tickets on the spot. (ONLINE is not possible atm).