Wosinsky Mór County Museum
Tolna
The Wosinsky Mór County Museum, located in Szekszárd, Hungary, is a prominent cultural institution dedicated to the archaeological and historical heritage of Tolna County. Founded through the efforts of archaeologist and collector Mór Wosinsky and Count Sándor Apponyi, the museum opened its doors in 1902 in a building specifically designed for museum purposes in a neo-Renaissance style by architects Albert Schickedanz and Fülöp Herczog. It features permanent exhibitions that present the region's history from prehistoric times through the early Árpád period, showcasing valuable archaeological artifacts collected during Wosinsky's domestic and international expeditions. The museum also hosts a local history exhibition titled "Revived Images – A Small Town at the Turn of the Century," which offers visitors a symbolic walk through Szekszárd's historical landmarks. Additionally, a specialized archaeological and weaponry collection is available in the basement museum for pre-arranged groups. The museum honors its founder with a bronze bust surrounded by Roman altar stones, reflecting its deep connection to regional history and archaeology. It stands out among county museums for being purpose-built as a museum from the start, offering visitors a rich cultural and educational experience.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the museum's official website for current exhibitions and events. The best time to visit is during weekdays when guided tours are available by appointment, especially for the basement archaeological collection which requires prior booking. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Planning ahead and reserving guided tours can enhance the experience, particularly for those interested in detailed archaeological insights.
Interesting facts
- •The museum building is unique among Hungarian county museums as it was constructed specifically for museum purposes from the outset.
- •Mór Wosinsky was a passionate archaeologist and bibliophile whose expeditions contributed significantly to the museum's archaeological collections.
- •The bronze bust of Mór Wosinsky in front of the museum is surrounded by large Roman altar stones recently recovered from the Danube riverbed near Bölcske.
- •The museum hosts a special exhibition titled "Revived Images – A Small Town at the Turn of the Century," which symbolically guides visitors through historical Szekszárd landmarks.
History
The museum's origins trace back to the late 19th century when Mór Wosinsky and Count Sándor Apponyi decided to establish a museum for Tolna County's rich archaeological finds.
The first exhibition opened in 1896 in the Szekszárd high school, but as educational needs grew, a dedicated museum building was commissioned.
Designed by renowned architects Albert Schickedanz and Fülöp Herczog, the neo-Renaissance museum palace was completed and opened in 1902.
Throughout the 20th century, the museum expanded its collections and exhibitions, commemorating its founder with a bronze bust in 1989 to mark the 90th anniversary of the museum building's opening.
Place Guide
Archaeological Exhibition
Located on the ground floor, this permanent exhibition presents Tolna County's history from prehistoric times to the early Árpád period through a rich collection of archaeological artifacts.
Local History Exhibition: "Revived Images – A Small Town at the Turn of the Century"
Situated on the upper floor, this exhibition offers a symbolic walk along Szekszárd's east-west axis, showcasing monuments and sites once admired by notable visitors to the town.
Basement Archaeological and Weaponry Collection
A specialized collection focusing on archaeological finds and weapons, accessible only to pre-booked groups, offering in-depth exploration of the region's material culture.
Contact
Phone: (06 74) 316 222
