MaNDAHungarian National Digital Archive

Nowadays, it is taken for granted that you can open the tap and get either cold drinking water or fine warm water. But only few people have this luck in the world and maybe our grandchildren will not be able to enjoy this comfort. How did water supply developed in Hungary since the ancient Romans? Would you ever think of how many aquatic relics you pass by during your days? Our aquatic exhibition is going to answer these questions.

Kálvin Square is almost unavoidable in Budapest. On the one hand, it lies at the junction of three districts and serves as the intersection of two metro lines, as well as tram, bus, and trolleybus routes. Its history stretches back to the Middle Ages, and its name, function, and even its architectural structure faithfully reflect the course of history. This exhibition recalls events and images from the square’s past and present, highlighting how Kálvin Square has changed and evolved over the centuries while remaining an important meeting point for the city and its residents.

For a long time, women were not allowed on stage; actually going to the theatre was not considered as a proper activity for women. Until the 17^th century, men used to play women’s roles as well. The audience could really refresh when they did not have to wait for the actor in the female role, because he had to shave first. Naturally, we know famous actresses from earlier times, but the truth is that they were not judged better than prostitutes were. Instead of praising their talents, the posterity thought it is more interesting to find out if they became concubines of a king or a lord.

In the second half of the 19th century, the spectacular development of transportation — especially the expansion of the railway network — gave new momentum to travel and urban mobility. Growing mobility brought with it the demand for comfortable, modern accommodation even for short stays in large cities. In our current selection, we recall this transforming urban and travel culture through the story of Budapest’s Hotel Bristol, one of the defining features of turn-of-the-century modernity.