Budapest has recently been selected as one of the best European cities for art lovers. This comes as no surprise, given the city’s abundance of museums and cultural events. Here are the criteria used to determine the top European cultural hotspots.
Deep dive into culture
As Lelépő writes, there are countless delightful methods to experience art. One can visit renowned galleries to explore their permanent exhibits or revisit favourite museums to enjoy the latest temporary exhibitions. Venturing around the city uncovers hidden treasures of public art while participating in themed workshops provides a thorough immersion into the contemporary art scene. Additionally, attending local art fairs, engaging with artists during open studio events and utilising digital platforms for virtual tours can further enrich one’s appreciation of both classic and modern artistic expressions.
Ubuy France’s list
Ubuy France has compiled a list of the top European destinations for art lovers. They evaluated each capital based on the number of art galleries, free museums, sculptures, monuments and instances of street art.
Paris and London jointly clinched the top spot, with Prague securing the runner-up position and Berlin coming in third. Alongside the Hungarian capital, the top ten also included Amsterdam, Lisbon, Rome, Athens and Vienna. Tying for tenth place were Oslo and Madrid. Budapest achieved an impressive ninth position, surpassing notable cities such as the Norwegian and Spanish capitals.
Budapest among the best
In the Ubuy survey, Budapest garnered 127 points, propelled by its sixty galleries, six of which offer free admission. The survey calculated that the Hungarian capital is home to 248 significant monuments and 24 street art masterpieces. Special mention goes to Mihály Kolodko, whose diminutive bronze sculptures create an enchanting urban scavenger hunt throughout the city.
The Kolodko sculptures
Kolodko’s tiny sculptures are scattered throughout Budapest, often nestled in inconspicuous spots like building corners, street ledges or near major landmarks. These sculptures are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as miniature histories or social commentaries related to their locations. Each sculpture tells a story or highlights an aspect of Hungarian culture, thus engaging visitors in a deeper understanding of Hungarian history and cultural identity.