Hungarian Museum of Photography
Bács-Kiskun
The Hungarian Museum of Photography, established in 1991 in Kecskemét, Hungary, is the country's first institution specifically dedicated to the preservation, exhibition, and study of photographic art. It houses a vast collection including early daguerreotypes from 1840, hundreds of thousands of positives and negatives, as well as photographic equipment and laboratory tools. The museum originated from the need to organize and protect valuable photographic works, a concept first proposed by Hungarian photographers in the 19th century. Over time, it evolved into a foundation-supported institution with a strong professional base, offering permanent and temporary exhibitions alongside scholarly publications. It also provides services such as restoration, reproduction, and appraisal of photographs. The museum's collection and research facilities serve both the public and academic researchers, contributing significantly to Hungarian photographic heritage. From 2025, it is set to operate as the National Museum of Photography under the Fine Arts Museum in Budapest.
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Tip: Visitors should check the museum's opening hours before planning their visit, as it is open Tuesday to Saturday from 12 PM to 5 PM, excluding holidays. Entry is free, but it is advisable to book research visits in advance, especially for accessing archives. The museum's website offers information on current and upcoming exhibitions, which is useful for planning. Visiting in spring or early autumn provides pleasant conditions for exploring Kecskemét alongside the museum.
Interesting facts
- •The museum holds some of the earliest daguerreotypes dating back to 1840, representing the dawn of photography.
- •It originated from an urgent need to preserve photographic works that were previously stored in poor conditions within the Hungarian Photographers' Association.
- •The museum's initial location was a former orthodox synagogue in Kecskemét, reflecting adaptive reuse of historic architecture.
- •Its collection has grown to over one million photographic works and documents by 2006, making it one of the largest photographic collections in Hungary.
- •From 2025, the museum will become part of the Fine Arts Museum in Budapest, operating as the National Museum of Photography.
History
The concept of a photographic museum in Hungary was first proposed in 1861 and revisited in 1881 to establish a permanent national exhibition.
However, it was not until 1991 that the Hungarian Museum of Photography was officially opened in Kecskemét, housed initially in a former orthodox synagogue.
The museum was founded by the Hungarian Photographic Foundation to safeguard a large collection of photographic works and related artifacts.
Its collection began in 1958 under the Hungarian Photographers' Association and grew substantially over the decades.
The museum gained international recognition under the leadership of directors Kincses Károly and Kolta Magdolna, and later Baki Péter.
It is notable as Hungary's first foundation-supported museum dedicated to photography.
Place Guide
Permanent Collection
Features a vast array of photographic works including daguerreotypes, vintage negatives, and equipment showcasing the evolution of photography in Hungary.
Historic Building - Former Orthodox Synagogue1918
The museum's original home is a historic building in Kecskemét, formerly an orthodox synagogue with architectural modifications dating to 1918, including a women's gallery and a unique spatial layout reflecting its religious heritage.
Contact
Phone: 06 20 263 2632
