Memento Park - Memento Park

Really fascinating seeing these huge statues in a somewhat unusual setting. Really powerful, I particularly recommend getting the English guide book which explains a lot about the history as well as telling you about the individual pieces.

We ABSOLUTELY loved this place. I think it's a MUST-SEE if you're living in, or visiting Budapest. First of all, it's really easy to get here from the city center by subway, getting off at Kelenföld and taking the 101E bus. Secondly, the setting is really nice, especially on a sunny day, because of the closeness to nature. Thirdly, the staff is very friendly and professional. They have a small cafe there where you can get some refreshments. They also sell A LOT of cool mementos, from funny fridge magnets, to dark postcards, official war clothing accessories and medals. We've bought many gifts for us and our families to remember this really interesting day. Now to the most important part of the review: the actual park visit. The park is split into 3 parts: the statues area (called "A sentence about tyranny"), the barracks expo (called "Neverwqs Square") and the secret gallery behind Stalin's boots. The expo hall and the gallery can be visited without a ticket. The statues area takes up most of the park. It houses statues from Hungary's soviet and communist past. It's located outside and starts with a huge gate flanked by 2 big statues of Lenin and of Marx and Engels. Right out of the gate you see a funny well taken care of Trabant automobile. The car is clean and you can get inside it and take cool pictures. Next to it you can find the cafe and the ticket office where you can also buy mementos. After that the park is organised into oval small spaces that have statues on their sides. The 42 statues all have small explanations underneath or close by. Make sure to check them out because they give another insight into Hungary's past. The statues were all removed from the city after communism fell and placed here as statements about dictatorship and democracy. In the background you can see huge statues, like the Liberation Army soldier bronze statue taken from the Liberation Monument that sits on top of Saint Gellért Hill, the stone Martyrs Monument and the bronze Republic of Councils Monument. Make sure to check them out because they show glimpses of the country's dark past. After you're done with the Statues Park area go to the barracks and check out the expo there. On the right side, as you enter, there's a small cinema that features a really interesting documentary regarding the secret Hungarian police and their way of recruiting assets, stalking people of interest, planting bugs etc. In the same building you can also find information and documents about the park's history and how it started, and a quick summary about Hungary's communist past. Lastly, there's a secret gallery behind the replica statue of Stalin's boots. In the underground you can see some more statues and you can also go on top of the monument and take some cool pictures. Overall this is a really interesting and educational visit that I would recommend for all people, even those that aren't interested in history. You'll have a wonderful day and maybe you'll also learn something.

It was not easy to get here,its outside of Budapest and require at least a couple of bus or train rides but its worth it, For us that only read about Soviet Union in Schools get to have a glimpse life under Communism and of overshadowing Lenin/Stalin Statues that Dominates public areas of Soviet Union and surrounding states, with a 1800 its worth it and great souvenir shop with authentic memorabilia of Soviet, impressive, don’t miss the KGB spy documentary shown there as well Historical,educational and entertaining

The park is not that large but quite interesting. I especially like the idea to keep all the monuments in one place. Except the monuments, there are some e civilians with photos and a small cinema.

Super interesting place, it's worth purchasing the guide book as well to help understand each of the statues. The documentary was also a plus as I wasn't expecting it either. The lady on the counter was so lovely and spoke great English. I unfortunately had several taxis cancel on me and was stuck in the heavy rain, she helped make several calls and was able to get me a taxi. Thank you so much!

Interesting park featuring lots of Communist era statues, sculptures and plates. It was meant to preserve those after the demise of the Hungarian socialist state. On the opposite side there was a informative exhibition with a brief overview of Hungarian socialist history and films about the apparatus spying on their own citizens.

Really accessible by public transport, taking the M4 metro and the 101B/E bus to the ‘Memento Park’ stop. I’d recommend travelling by public transport to further embrace yourself in Magyar culture ?? The price for entry was Ft1,800 for an adult and Ft1,200 for a student. Not a lot at all, especially when there are toilet facilities there. I’ve got to say, these are the best toilets in Budapest!! Odd claim to fame, I know… but I mean it. Ultra-clean and super shiny. Overall, we really enjoyed our poignant experience at Memento Park.

I don't normally recommend the Guide Book (In the Shadow of Stalin's Boots) for an attraction, but in this case it's essential, as no information is given in the Park other than the name on the Statue. The guide, apart from giving information on each of the 41 Statues/Sculptures, gives alot of background information on Stalin, the 1956 uprising, the Iron Curtain and much more. I was surprised how few people visited today, I was first in at 10.00am but there were only a handful of people there at anytime. Very interesting place and visit the indoor exhibition also near the entrance to the Park. Can get here by Metro M4, then Bus 101E, 150. Note, you can now buy refreshments at the ticket office entrance.