Demonstration against the Treaty of Trianon in front of Szeged Town Hall Hungary 1920

Fortepan Collection

Fortepan Collection Budapest: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: The Fortepan Collection—A Digital Monument to Hungary’s Visual Heritage

The Fortepan Collection is a revolutionary digital archive that preserves and showcases Hungary’s rich visual history. Since its founding in 2010 by Ákos Szepessy and Miklós Tamási, Fortepan has grown from a collection of discarded photos found on the streets of Budapest into a vast, community-driven project. Today, it features over 180,000 high-resolution, copyright-free photographs documenting everyday life, historical milestones, and cultural shifts across the 20th century (Fortepan About Us).

Unlike traditional museums, Fortepan is primarily an online platform, accessible to users globally and designed to break down barriers between historians and the public. Its intuitive website offers multilingual navigation, interactive timelines, thematic galleries, and a lively community forum to enrich the historical context (Fortepan Website). Fortepan also extends into the physical realm through curated exhibitions at esteemed venues like the Hungarian National Gallery in Buda Castle, further cementing its role in Budapest’s vibrant cultural landscape (Hungarian National Gallery).

This guide explores the origins, significance, and practical details for experiencing the Fortepan Collection—whether online or at exhibitions in Budapest. You’ll find essential information on visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, travel tips, and suggestions to enrich your exploration of Hungarian photographic heritage (Fortepan Forum).

Forestry railway locomotive O&K 9423 from 1920 in Spišská Nová Ves Slovakia

Historic forestry railway locomotive O&K 9423 in Spišská Nová Ves Slovakia

Historical forestry railway locomotive O&K 9423 of 1920 in Spišská Nová Ves Slovakia

Three V-skip wagons at an underground mine

Introduction: The Digital Archive and Its Importance
Origins and Evolution of the Fortepan Collection
Community-Driven Expansion and Historical Scope
Cultural Significance and Impact
Navigating and Accessing the Archive
Visiting Fortepan: Digital and Exhibition Experiences
Practical Visitor Information
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Combining Fortepan with Budapest Exploration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Resources, Contacts, and Further Reading

The Origins and Growth of the Fortepan Collection

Founded in 2010, Fortepan began with Szepessy and Tamási’s discovery of discarded photos in Budapest. Inspired by their historical and emotional value, the founders envisioned a public, open-access archive. The name “Fortepan” refers to a once-popular Hungarian photographic film, symbolizing the project’s commitment to visual heritage (Fortepan About Us).

Initially a small collection, Fortepan rapidly expanded as families, amateur and professional photographers, and institutions donated their photographs. This collaborative ethos remains central, ensuring an authentic and diverse representation of Hungarian life from the early 20th century onward.

Administrative and technical support comes from Summa Artium Nonprofit Kft., with key partners including Arcanum, Blinken OSA Archivum, Archive of Modern Conflict (Toronto), and Forum Hungaricum Nonprofit Kft. Early funding was provided by Budapest’s Kortörténeti Alapítvány (Fortepan About Us).

Community-Driven Growth and Historical Breadth

As of July 2025, Fortepan boasts over 180,000 images, thanks to the generosity of more than 600 families, photographers, and institutions (Fortepan About Us). The archive covers:

Pre-War and Interwar Hungary: Family life, urban and rural landscapes, and social customs.
World War II: Rare scenes from the Eastern Front, civilian life, and the Hungarian Red Cross (Fortepan About Us).
Communist Era: Everyday life, political events, and images like Harrison Forman’s 1960s documentation of Hungary as the “happiest barrack” in the Soviet Bloc (Fortepan About Us).
Late 20th Century and Transition: Social and political changes culminating in the fall of communism.

Fortepan’s coverage is nationwide, with images from all regions of Hungary and Hungarian communities abroad.

Cultural Significance and Impact

Fortepan democratizes historical memory by providing open access to high-quality, copyright-free images. Contributors are credited, and the archive has inspired numerous educational and creative projects. For example, architect Zoltan Kerenyi’s “Window to the Past” overlays Fortepan images with present-day Budapest, visually blending past and present (The Calvert Journal). The archive’s photos have been featured in major exhibitions like “Every Past is My Past” at the Hungarian National Gallery (Fortepan About Us).

Fortepan’s collaborative model, with metadata and descriptions enriched by community contributions, fosters ongoing research and dialogue (Fortepan Forum).

Navigating and Accessing the Fortepan Archive

The Fortepan website is accessible 24/7, requiring no registration or fees. The site supports both Hungarian and English and features:

Powerful search tools (by date, location, photographer, theme, and more)
Interactive timelines and thematic galleries
High-resolution downloads for personal, educational, or commercial use (with proper credit)
Community forums and opportunities for users to contribute or enrich metadata

Volunteers help translate and maintain accurate descriptions, and new donors are always welcome (Fortepan About Us).

Visiting Fortepan: Digital Monument and Exhibition Experiences

Digital Access

Fortepan is primarily a digital archive, open to all, any time, from anywhere with internet access. All its resources are free, and no tickets or reservations are required.

Physical Exhibitions

Fortepan regularly collaborates with institutions like the Hungarian National Gallery to present themed exhibitions. Notable recent exhibitions include “Budapest: The First Golden Age,” held at the National Gallery in Buda Castle (Hungarian National Gallery). These exhibitions feature bilingual captions, multimedia elements, and curated displays that bring Hungary’s past to life.

Location: Hungarian National Gallery, 1014 Budapest, Szent György tér 2 (Hungarian National Gallery)
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (last admission 5:00 pm) (Hungarian National Gallery Opening Hours)
Tickets: Standard exhibition ticket is 3,000 HUF (~€7.50); combination tickets and discounts are available for students, seniors, and families (We Love Budapest; Hungarian National Gallery Ticketing)

Check the National Gallery website and Fortepan news for current exhibition details.

Practical Visitor Information

Getting There

The Hungarian National Gallery is in Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s accessible by public transport (nearest metro: Széll Kálmán tér—M2, then Castle Hill Funicular or bus 16). The area is walkable and offers excellent city views.

Facilities and Accessibility

Wheelchair Access: The gallery is fully accessible, with elevators and accessible restrooms. Note the hilly terrain and cobblestones of Buda Castle—comfortable footwear is advised.
Amenities: Cloakrooms, restrooms, café, and museum shop.
Languages: Exhibitions feature English translations; staff generally speak English.

Ticketing and Payment

Currency: Hungarian forint (HUF); cards widely accepted.
Advance Booking: Recommended for peak times or special exhibitions.

Combining Fortepan with Budapest Exploration

Nearby Attractions: The National Gallery is near the Budapest History Museum, Castle Hill, and scenic city walks (Budapest by Locals).
Photo Walks: Use Fortepan images for inspiration and compare historic and modern views at landmarks like Andrássy Avenue, Nyugati Railway Station, and City Park (Fortepan Brück & Sohn Collection).
Themed Books: The museum shop and local publishers offer books and catalogues featuring Fortepan images, including district-specific collections (We Love Budapest Book).

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Fortepan’s digital platform is designed for inclusivity, supporting both Hungarian and English users and encouraging contributions from all communities. The Hungarian National Gallery is wheelchair accessible and offers facilities for families and groups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Fortepan a physical museum I can visit?
A: Fortepan is primarily digital; however, its exhibitions are hosted at venues like the Hungarian National Gallery.

Q: What are the Fortepan exhibition visiting hours?
A: The National Gallery is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, last admission at 5:00 pm.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Standard tickets are 3,000 HUF (~€7.50); discounts apply for students, seniors, and families.

Q: Is Fortepan accessible for those with mobility needs?
A: Yes, the gallery is fully accessible. Fortepan’s online archive is accessible worldwide.

Q: Can I use Fortepan images for free?
A: Yes, all images are copyright-free. Please credit Fortepan and the original donor.

Q: Can I contribute photographs or information?
A: Absolutely. Visit Fortepan Forum for details.

Visuals and Media

Watch a video tour of Fortepan’s digital archive and community projects

For the most engaging experience, explore exhibition images, historic cityscapes, and interactive timelines on the official websites.

Contacts and Further Information

Hungarian National Gallery:
- Address: 1014 Budapest, Szent György tér 2
- Phone: +36/1/201-9082
- Email: [email protected]
- Official Website
Fortepan Digital Archive:
- fortepan.hu
- Photo Uploads and News
Tourist Information:
- Budapest by Locals
- Trip to Budapest Practical Tips

Conclusion: Embark on a Journey Through Hungary’s Visual History

The Fortepan Collection stands as a testament to the power of digital innovation in preserving and sharing cultural heritage. Whether you explore its extensive online archive or attend an exhibition, Fortepan offers a unique, community-powered gateway to Hungary’s collective memory. Plan your visit by checking exhibition schedules and ticketing, and enrich your Budapest experience by pairing it with the city’s historic sites.

Stay updated by following Fortepan and the Hungarian National Gallery on social media, subscribing to newsletters, and exploring related resources. For curated guides and additional content, consider downloading the Audiala app.