The House of Terror Museum is located at 60 Andrássy Avenue in Budapest, Hungary. The building served as the headquarters for the Arrow Cross Party during World War II and later as the base for the ÁVH, the state security police during the communist era. It now functions as a memorial to the victims of these two regimes, documenting the history of political repression in 20th-century Hungary.
The museum's permanent exhibition, titled 'Double Terror,' provides an immersive look at the methods of surveillance, interrogation, and torture employed by the secret police. The building itself is a central part of the exhibit, with the basement cells preserved to reflect the conditions faced by political prisoners during the mid-20th century.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Stone, Brick, Steel, Glass
- Civilization
- Hungarian
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible with elevator access to all floors
- Date(s)
- 1880
- Condition
- Restored and converted into a museum
- Original Function
- Residential building and political headquarters
- Key Figures
- Ferenc Szálasi, Gábor Péter, Mária Schmidt
Origins and Early Use
1880-1944Designed by architect Adolf Feszty, the building was originally a residential structure. In 1944, it became the headquarters of the Arrow Cross Party, the Hungarian fascist movement, and was known as the 'House of Loyalty'.
Communist Era
1945-1956Following the Soviet occupation, the building was repurposed as the headquarters for the ÁVH (State Protection Authority). During this time, the basement was expanded into a complex of detention cells and interrogation rooms where political opponents were held.
Museum Establishment
2002-PresentThe building was acquired by the Public Foundation for the Research of Central and East European History and Society. After extensive renovation, it opened as the House of Terror Museum on February 24, 2002, serving as both a museum and a monument to the victims of the fascist and communist regimes.
Cultural Significance
The museum serves as a critical site for national memory in Hungary, confronting the traumatic legacy of the 20th century. It plays a significant role in public education regarding the mechanisms of totalitarianism and the human cost of political extremism.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
The museum has been the subject of academic debate regarding its narrative focus. Some historians argue that the exhibition emphasizes the communist period more heavily than the fascist era, while others debate the museum's role in shaping contemporary Hungarian political discourse and national identity.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance. Security screening is mandatory for all visitors.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings are generally less crowded. The museum is often busy on national holidays such as October 23rd.
Photography
Photography is permitted in most areas for personal use, but flash and tripods are prohibited. Photography is strictly forbidden in the basement memorial areas.
Preservation Notes
The building is a protected historical site. Visitors are asked to maintain a respectful demeanor given the site's function as a memorial.
Nearby POIs
11 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]The House of Terror Museum: A Case Study in Memory Politics — Mária Schmidt. Budapest Historical Review (2005)
- [2]Totalitarianism in Hungary: 1944-1989 — Ignác Romsics. Corvina Books (2010)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Stone, Brick, Steel, Glass
- Civilization
- Hungarian
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible with elevator access to all floors
- Date(s)
- 1880
- Condition
- Restored and converted into a museum
- Original Function
- Residential building and political headquarters
- Key Figures
- Ferenc Szálasi, Gábor Péter, Mária Schmidt