Memento Park
Memento Park is a memorial dedicated to the fall of the communist dictatorship using the tools of political propaganda. Memento Park could only be built here, in Eastern Europe, but it speaks of a challenge faced across the world in an inspiring way. The careful creative concept of architect Ákos Eleőd is spectacular, thought-provoking and intuitive. Nowhere else in the world is there a place like Memento Park.
What to explore
Statue Park
Statue Park is the world’s first and only thematic statue collection from the era of communist propaganda. Statue Park is the core of Memento Park, where among others, you can see the gigantic statues of Marx, Lenin and the soldiers of the Red Army.
All sculptures were removed from the streets of Budapest between 1990-1992, after the political change.
Stalin’s Grandstand
The 8-meter (20feet) tall statue of dictator Stalin used to stand on the original grandstand, which the revolutionary crowd pulled down on the 23rd of October, 1956. The pair of boots remaining on the pedestal has become a metaphor for the Hungarian people’s strive for freedom. Communist leaders used to wave from platforms like this, and revolutionaries occupied one like this, likewise! Go up to the tribune! Feel what a revolutionary could have felt!
The most cheerful barrack
Photo exhibitions about the 1956 revolution and the 1989-90 political change. A film about the operations of the political secret service.
Phone booth
Is it Lenin speaking? Yes, and many others! Give a buzz to Hungarian and international communist politicians! Chat with Stalin, Che Guevara, or Mao!
Trabant
Get in and take a selfie with the grand survivor of the Eastern German industry! A people’s car, a paper Jaguar, a Vehicle that’s roof is – supposedly – digestible for cattle, too!
Red Star Store
You can buy relics, original medals and postcards from the communist period, as well as poster replicas, fun mugs and fridge magnets.
How to explore
Individually
Self-guided during the opening hours.
To uncover every detail, get ‘In the Shadow of Stalin’s Boots’, the visitor’s guide to Memento Park at the ticket office! Available in Hungarian, English, German, Spanish and Italian languages.
With a local expert
If you want to learn the secrets and even more, join our English-speaking guided tour, available four times a week from Friday to Monday at 11:15. Isn’t this schedule fitting your plans? Reserve a Private Guided Tour with more flexible conditions! Time slots are listed on our website.
In a super fun way
Be smart and stylish! Arrive in Memento Park by Trabant. The transfer is available seven days a week within the regular opening hours of Memento Park and beyond for individuals and groups.
Duration of the program: 3 hours
Price: 170 EUR/Trabant
Guided tour: 39 EUR/group
The price includes up to 3 participants:
– pick-up and drop-off in the area of Budapest
– admission to Memento Park
– one beverage of choice at the Red Star Store in Memento Park
– guided tour in Memento Park
In case of more than 3 participants we apply the base fee for additional vehicles, which is 170 EUR.
Book online – Trabant Transfer to Memento Park with Guided Tour
Available for bigger groups on request.
In an exceptional way
Events behind closed doors are also part of Memento Park’s portfolio. Visit this unique collection on a Memento Park by Night theme tour starting at twilight or reserve a thematic wine tasting! These programs are recommended for small and medium size groups and are available on request only. Please get in touch with us via email for more information!
Why visit
Unique concept
The park uses the propaganda tools of authoritarian regimes – above all, monumental public statues – to expose the mechanisms through which they operated.
Connects with the 20th century history of our planet
Due to the international nature, territorial and temporal expansion of communism, visitors from almost every country in the world can draw parallel history lines between Hungary and their country. Just check the year when the statue was created and think of what happened then back home! What was in the news about the Eastern Block and the Soviet Union in your country, if there were any?
Dog friendly
Strolling among the iconic statues offers a cultural experience and genuine relaxation, complete with a shady buffet, fresh water for your dog, and dog waste bags if needed.
Family friendly
Here, children can freely touch the statues, making a tangible connection with artworks made of different materials, while parents can immerse in a bygone era. Purchasing the museum pedagogy booklet ‘How About Changing the System?’ contributes to this unique interaction which serves as an excellent conversation starter, allowing the family to explore living memories and understand the past through discussions.
Opening hours at Memento Park
Open every day.
May – October daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. November – April daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. December 24th: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Please, note that due to the uneven terrains and other unfavorable circumstances, the land and premises are not barrier-free.