National Széchényi Library

The National Széchényi Library is the national library of Hungary. Its mission is to collect, process, preserve and make accessible the written cultural heritage of Hungary and Hungarian-related written cultural heritage, from manuscript codes and printed documents to electronic publications. The library was founded in 1802 by the highly patriotic Hungarian aristocrat Count Ferenc Széchényi. Széchényi traveled the world buying Hungarian books, which he assembled and donated to the nation. In 1803, the public library was opened in Pest. Széchényi’s example resulted in a nationwide movement of book donations to the library. In 1808, the Hungarian National Assembly created the Hungarian National Museum to collect the historical, archaeological and natural relics of Hungary. The Museum was merged into the Library and for the last 200 years this is how it has existed, a national depository for written, printed and objective relics of the Hungarian past. In 1985, the library moved to its new home at the Buda Castle Palace.

LOCATION:

Szent György tér 4-6, Buda Castle

OPENING HOURS:

Saturday-Monday: closed

Tuesday: 14:00-19:00

Wednesday-Thursday: 10:00-17:00

Friday: 9:00-17:00

More information: www.oszk.hu