The National Széchényi Library Opens Its Doors for the Days of Cultural Heritage

 

The Days of Cultural Heritage (KÖN), taking place on 19–20 September, is one of Hungary’s largest free cultural events. Each year, the programme offers the public an opportunity to discover buildings and heritage sites that are normally closed to visitors or accessible only to a limited extent. The Days of Cultural Heritage is part of the European Heritage Days, an international programme involving around 50 countries across Europe every September.

 

SPECIAL OPENING HOURS

Readers using library services are welcome from 9:00 on this day. The library will have special opening hours from 9:00 to 17:00, while requests for documents can be submitted by 16:00.

 

FREE LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP

On 19 September, from 9:00 to 17:00, visitors will also have the opportunity to register for free library membership or renew their existing membership. The early opening time will allow our readers to use the library’s services, take care of membership-related matters and use the cloakroom lockers before the KÖN programmes begin.

 

 

 

Days of Cultural Heritage
19 September 2026, Saturday 10:00–17:00

 

 

Guided Tours in the building of the National Library – Wandering through the Old Royal Palace

During this one-hour tour, our expert staff will guide you through the building’s eventful history of more than 100 years, revealing parts of the castle that still preserve memories of the Royal Palace beneath its modern appearance.

Location: 5th floor, main staircase
Duration: 60 minutes
Maximum number of participants: 25 people

Times:

• 11:00
• 13:00
• 15:00

 

PLAYHOUSE

 

Giant Jigsaw Puzzles

The unique and extraordinary puzzles provided by Gondosdesign are worth trying for visitors of all ages. These aesthetic communal games, ranging from smaller designs to large puzzles measuring up to 180 centimetres in diameter and inspired, for example, by Corvina patterns, Arabic ornamentation or fractal forms, can be solved in a variety of ways, allowing participants to create their own designs.

Location: 5th floor
Time: ongoing (10:00–17:00)

 

 

CRAFT WORKSHOP

 

Old Hungarian Script and Initials found in the Corvina codices – Craft Workshop

Have you ever wondered what your name would look like written in ancient Hungarian script or on an ornate Renaissance codex page? At our craft workshop, you can try your hand at rovásírás (Old Hungarian writing), with a ready-made alphabet template to help you get started. You can also follow in the footsteps of the illuminators of King Matthias Corvinus: design the initial letter of your own name and decorate it as you wish as a colourful, vine-inspired Renaissance initial.

Location: 6th floor 
Time: ongoing (10:00–17:00)