We’ll show you the manuscript of Hymn!

The Day of Hungarian Culture has been celebrated for 31 years, since 1989, on January 22, to commemorate the day in 1823 when Hungarian poet Ferenc Kölcsey finalized the manuscript of his Hymnus (Hymn) in Szatmárcseke. The poem has become the national anthem of Hungary.

The musical piece composed to Hymnus by Ferenc Erkel is the composer’s best-known work. Composed in spring 1844, the piece has become one of the symbols of the Hungarians in the past century and a half.

The two documents are on display only on special occasions such as January 22. The general public can have a look at them in National Széchényi Library on the Day of Hungarian Culture, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. On this day, the national library also awaits its visitors with a 50-percent discount from the registration fee.

Related content: Illustrated Album of the Hungarian Anthem