Budapest's Money Museum Takes Home Best in Europe Award

Published: 2023-09-25

The Money Museum in Budapest has been awarded the European Academy of Museums (EMA) Grand Prize, making it the first Hungarian institution to win this prestigious award. The museum was recognized for its interactive and entertaining approach in introducing visitors to financial processes. Additionally, the DASA award was given for the museum's user-friendly exhibition spaces and effective dissemination of knowledge.

The Money Museum provides an interactive and entertaining introduction to the financial process, including the basic rules of money and the role of the Central Bank of Hungary. With fifty spectacular installations, the museum has attracted over 135,000 visitors since its opening a year and a half ago. Its content and exhibition spaces have been praised by both visitors and experts in the field.

In addition to the EMA Grand Prize, the Money Museum has received several other accolades. The Center for Museum Education and Training named it one of the best museums, and it was also awarded the Best of Budapest and the Community Museum Award. These recognitions highlight the museum's commitment to providing a high-quality and educational experience for its visitors.

The Money Museum's historic building on Széll Kálmán Square has recently been enhanced with a special addition—a panorama rooftop terrace. Offering a unique view of Buda's Krisztinaváros, as well as the buildings on the Pest side, the terrace provides visitors with a different perspective of the city. The rooftop terrace also features a café, creating a relaxing and enjoyable environment for visitors.

The Money Museum is housed in the former Postapalota building, which was Budapest's first office building constructed in 1926. Over the years, the building suffered damage from war and revolution. In 2016, the Central Bank of Hungary purchased the building and launched a major renovation project to restore it to its original condition. Since 2022, the legendary building has been home to the Money Museum, offering a captivating blend of history and modernity.

=== What award did the Money Museum in Budapest win? The Money Museum in Budapest won the European Academy of Museums (EMA) Grand Prize, making it the first Hungarian institution to win this award.

What did the jury appreciate about the Money Museum? The jury appreciated the fact that the Money Museum introduces visitors to financial processes in an interactive and entertaining way. They also praised the user-friendly exhibition spaces and the effective way in which the museum disseminates knowledge.

What does the Money Museum provide visitors with? The Money Museum provides visitors with an interactive and entertaining introduction to the financial process, the basic rules of money, and the Central Bank of Hungary.

How many visitors has the Money Museum welcomed since its opening? In the year and a half since its opening, the Money Museum has welcomed more than 135,000 visitors.

What other awards has the Money Museum received? The Money Museum was named one of the best museums by the Center for Museum Education and Training and was awarded the Best of Budapest and the Community Museum Award.

What is the special addition to the museum's building? In July, the museum's building was enriched with a special addition, a panorama rooftop terrace. This rooftop terrace offers a different view and perspective, showcasing Buda's Krisztinaváros and the buildings on the Pest side.

What is the history of the Money Museum's building? The building, known as the former Postapalota (Post office palace), was built in 1926 and was described as a "two-faced, mysterious, fairy castle." It was used as a shelter during World War II and was damaged during the war and the 1956 revolution. After its critical damage was repaired, the Central Bank of Hungary purchased the building in 2016 and launched a major renovation to restore it to its original condition. Since 2022, the legendary building has been home to the Money Museum.

What can be seen from the rooftop terrace of the Money Museum? The rooftop terrace of the Money Museum offers a view of Buda's Krisztinaváros (districts 1 and 12) and the buildings on the Pest side. Additionally, there is a café located on the terrace.