On 20 August 2026, to celebrate Hungary's State Foundation Day and St. Stephen's Day, the National Széchényi Library will host an Open Day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
[1]
On 20 August 2026, to celebrate Hungary's State Foundation Day and St. Stephen's Day, the National Széchényi Library will host an Open Day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Throughout the day, visitors of all ages can enjoy guided building tours, arts and crafts activities, giant puzzles, and a variety of creative workshops.
Take a walk up to Buda Castle, enter through the Lions' Courtyard, step through the National Library's magnificent gates, and become part of our stories and history.
Getting to the Library
The NSZL is located in Building F of the Buda Castle Palace Complex (District I, Budapest). [2] The main entrance opens from the Lions' Courtyard, situated between the Hungarian National Gallery and the National Széchényi Library.
The main entrance can be reached in four ways:
- on foot from Dísz Square;
- on foot from Dózsa György Square, then via the elevators on Palota Road;
- on foot from the Várkert Bazaar, followed by the elevators;
- on foot from Clark Ádám Square, or by using the Budavár Funicular.
PROGRAMME
Open day on 20 August 2026 from 10 am to 5 pm
Guided building tours in the National Library
[3]During the walk, our visitors may learn about the fascinating history of the building and discover parts of it that still preserve a small piece of the original royal palace.
Location: 5th floor, main staircase
Duration: 30 minutes
Maximum number of participants: 25 people
Time:
- 11.00–11.30
- 12.00–12.30
- 13.00–13.30
- 14.00–14.30
- 15.30–16.00
Indoor playground featuring unique jigsaw puzzles
[4]Giant jigsaw puzzles to play with, courtesy of Gábor Gondos and Gondosdesign. The smaller and larger, up to 180 centimetres in diameter, aesthetic – inspired by corvina patterns, Arabic ornaments or fractal shapes – social games can be solved in various ways, so participants can also create their own compositions. It is recommended for families with children over six years old and for playful adults.
Location: 5th floor
Time: continuous programme between 10:00–17:00
Arts and crafts workshop
Make a Hungarian Tricolour Fan or Paper Rosette
[5]Older children and adults can create a colourful paper fan in the Hungarian national colours—a perfect companion for a summer stroll around the city.
Children under the age of eight can make a simpler but equally attractive red, white and green paper rosette.
Location: 6th floor, in front of the Corvina Tapestry
Time: continuous programme between 10:00–17:00
Badge and Fridge Magnet Making
Create your own badge or refrigerator magnet featuring beautiful motifs from the National Széchényi Library's collections.
Location: 6th floor
Time: continuous programme between 10:00–17:00
We reserve the right to change the programme.
Please note that photos and video recordings will be taken at the events.
By participating in the event, you acknowledge that the National Széchényi Library may use these recordings on its website, social media platforms, as well as in the press.
If you have any questions, please contact us at: pr@oszk.hu [6].