On Saturday, 19 September, from 10:00, we welcome visitors with special programmes, while library services will be available to our readers during extended opening hours between 9:00 and 17:00.
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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.
On Saturday, 19 September 2026, the National Széchényi Library will welcome visitors interested in the KÖN programmes from 10:00 to 17:00. During the programmes, visitors can learn more about the history of the National Széchényi Library building, explore its unique spaces, and discover its cultural heritage.
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.
We look forward to welcoming our readers and everyone interested in the programmes of the Days of Cultural Heritage to the National Széchényi Library on 19 September!
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Days of Cultural Heritage
19 September 2026, Saturday 10:00–17:00
5th Floor
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
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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)
6th Floor
CRAFT WORKSHOP
Old Hungarian Script and Initials found in the Corvina codices – Craft Workshop
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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)
We reserve the right to change the programme.
Please note that photographs and video recordings will be taken during the events. By participating in the event, you acknowledge that the National Széchényi Library may use these recordings on its website, social media platforms, and in the press.
If you have any questions, please contact us at: pr@oszk.hu [7].