Library Palace Tours

Explore a Neo-Baroque Masterpiece

As one of the most beautiful buildings of the so called palace quarter or “magnate quarter” of Pest, Wenckheim Palace has housed the Central Library of Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library since 1931 (nearly 100 years). The stately edifice was built in 1889 and originally it served as an aristocratic private residence.

Planned (and built) by Arthur Meinig, a specialist of country houses from Saxony, the palace was reconstructed at the turn of the millennium; it is mentioned as the masterpiece of Hungarian Neo-Baroque architecture. Modern wings are also connected to the listed building awarded with Europa Nostra Award and it is displayed with its grandiosity as it was earlier; so, the library of the capital is popular with both the visitors who like historic atmosphere and those who are interested in modern (up-to-date) services. Together with the adjacent Neo-Renaissance Pálffy Palace planned by Miklós Ybl, located in Ötpacsirta utca - which also belongs to our library -, the library complex is an attractive target to Hungarian and foreign tourists, it is really worth visiting.

Visit of the library complex

• For individual visitors without guidance
  Tourist ticket can be purchased at information desk in the hall of the Central Library for the fee of HUF 2000. Besides the ticket, WiFi code is also available which is valid for that day and it makes possible to use internet system freely throughout the area of the library. You can visit the library in opening hours.
  Visiting the library is also possible for library members: registration
• For individual visitors with guidance (Hungarian/English)
  Individual guidance in English / Hungarian in the Central Library (including the palace) is possible with an appointment arranged in advance - even in the early morning hours before the library opens -, the fee of individual guidance is HUF 5000/person. Registration and details can be arranged either on touristinfo@fszek.hu email address, or over the phone, by the phone number +36 (1) 411-5054
• For groups of 10 or more with guidance (Hungarian/English)
  Groups of 10 people or more can only visit the library under the guidance of a librarian. by an appointment arranged in advance. The maximum group size is 50 people. Prior notice is necessary.
  Tours should be arranged by appointment, made in writing on touristinfo@fszek.hu at least two weeks in advance; probable number of participants and accessibility of contact person are also needed. Its fee is HUF 1000/person for pensioners, HUF 2000/person for active person in labour in Hungarian (minimum 10 visitors), HUF 2800/person if it is in English. Visit is also possible out of opening hours, from 8.30 AM at the earliest and from 6 PM at the latest on weekdays (Mo-Fr), from 9AM at the earliest and from 3 PM at the latest on Saturday; on Sundays and holidays the library is entirely closed, the service of guidance for groups (and individuals) is not available.
  
  
• Library in the palace (only in Hungarian):
  Within the program series Library in the palace – Palace in the library guided tours are organized in the Central Library to get a picture of the building from a historical point of view and the view of history of art. Usually on the second Saturday of each month, visitors can take part in an informative group tour, that is a guided tour by librarians within the time of 60 minutes. As the number of participants in a group is restricted to max. 25, registration is needed. You can register either via csoportvezetes@fszek.hu email address, or over the phone, by the phone number +36 (1) 411 5019 or personally, at the information desk of the Central Library.
  Fee of guided tour is HUF 1000 for children, students and pensioners, HUF 2000 for working adults. Information about the time when groups start can be acquired on the library website or via e-mail csoportvezetes@fszek.hu.