The Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art in Budapest is perhaps the best place in the city to come and enjoy great art that has been created over the last 50 years. The museum is open daily from 10am-8pm and entrance fees here are very reasonable. Peter and Irene Ludwig are the collectors here and they have amassed an impressive collection of artwork, much of it from 1960's and 70's Eastern European artists as well as from artists around the world. This is a museum that brings together art from the east and the west from a time when the world was very much divided. Within the works you can even see this division as many works of American Pop Art and Avant-garde Eastern European works are featured.
Temporary and permanent exhibits are put on display here and entry is very reasonably priced. Children under 6 get in free and student and senior discounts of 50 percent are applicable. In a modern building within the city center this collection features works from popular artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Claes Oldenburg and Jasper Johns. The collection is featured in the Palace of the Arts building located on the edge of City Park. With many other great galleries and other top attractions nearby, stopping in here to take a look at this unique gallery is highly recommended and the collection can be seen within an hour or two.
If you are after contemporary art while in Budapest, this is definitely the best place to be. With other top attractions nearby many tourists and art lovers choose to preface their visit with a look and the Hungarian National Gallery. By doing this it is possible to take a peek into the artistic evolution from the Middle Ages through modern art being produced today. This is a journey that art lovers come from around the region to see as the collections held here are quite impressive.
The collection here is art from the 1960's on forward and the modern building situated along the Danube provides the ideal setting to view this unique collection. Over two hundred and fifty pieces from the Ludwig's are featured here and the collection is continually being added too. The building is quite a marvel itself, built in 2005 and houses the Bela Bartok National Concert Hall, the Festival Theater and the Ludwig Museum. Check ahead before visiting as you may also be able to catch a musical concert at one of the concert halls if you plan your trip wisely.
Remember that in summer months it can get quite crowded and getting here early will ensure that you get a nice tour of the museum. The museum is quite large however so even if you do come during peak times, you should be able to enjoy the museum without too much of an annoyance. Set aside at least a few hours to fully explore this museum and building and then pop over to one of the many other great attractions nearby.
