'56 in the countryside

On 23 October 2026, the Hungarian Open Air Museum invites visitors to a special programme commemorating the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Revolution and War of Independence. Living history scenes, interactive activities, crafts and period games bring the history of the 1950s and the events of 1956 vividly to life at the Skanzen.

Throughout the day, living history scenes staged among the museum’s historic buildings evoke the atmosphere of the 1950s. Visitors can gain an insight into everyday life, individual fates and difficult choices of the period, while discovering how the revolution unfolded in the Hungarian countryside.

The programme also brings lesser-known people and events into focus. Among them is the story of actress Sári Déry and her forced relocation, alongside stories of revolutionary change in rural communities, local responses to the events and moments when people sought to take their fate into their own hands.

Craft activities and period games offer families an engaging way to discover the world of the 1950s. The Danube Region Military Re-enactment Association will also present a special interactive programme featuring historic vehicles, objects and equipment from the period.

On 23 October, Skanzen not only commemorates history – it brings it to life. We look forward to welcoming you!

• THE REVOLUTION IN THE COUNTRYSIDE – Thematic Guided Tour

When we commemorate 1956, the events in Budapest often take centre stage. Yet the revolution was equally shaped by the courage and actions of people living in villages and small towns across Hungary. From Gyöngyös to Márianosztra, this guided tour explores local stories and pivotal moments that made rural communities active participants in the struggle for freedom. Discover a lesser-known but equally authentic perspective on the 1956 Revolution and War of Independence.

13:00

Meeting point: entrance of the Upland Market Town exhibition unit

Guide: Dr Tamás Szegedy-Kloska, Acting Director of Research and Heritage

Language: Hungarian

• Hair Braiding Workshop

House from Tállya (II-1)

• Games from Bygone Days

Games

House from Tokaj (II-2)

• Craft Activities

1. A Toy from the Past – rag doll making
2. Faces of 1956 – badge making

House from Hejce (II-3)

• What Remains Within Us – Our Unspoken Stories

A shared, conversation-based activity exploring how unspoken stories, emotions and memories of 1956 are passed down within families – and what we can do with everything that remains within us.

11:30 • 14:30 • 16:00

Merchant’s House from Mád (II-8)

• Play Button Football with Hungary’s Golden Team!

Games

Courtyard of the Tithing House from Mád (II-5)

• Would You Like to Play?

Games

Courtyard of the Tithing House from Mád (II-5)

• Craft Activities

1. Make Your Own Memory Book!
2. Letter-Making Workshop – practise forming letters with cord, not just for children

Tithing House from Mád (II-5)

1. Fashion during the Revolution – make a beret
2. Traces of the Past – collage making

Merchant’s House from Mád (II-8)

• The Flag of Freedom

Craft activity – flag making

Household of Hoers from Mád (II-11)

Displaced – The Story of Sári Déry

11:00 • 12:30 • 14:00 • 15:30

Public Square (II-12)

• Military Robur Truck

Main square of the Upland Market Town (II.)

• Interactive Programme by the Danube Region Military Re-enactment Association

Grassy area opposite the Granary (I-20)

Discover stories across the Skanzen’s exhibition units revealing how people in the Hungarian countryside experienced the events of the 1956 Revolution.

I. Northern Hungarian Village

• The Prison Gates Open – 390 Prisoners Are Freed

House from Márianosztra (I-4)

II. Upland Market Town

• The Bishop of Vác Is Freed

House from Hejce (II-3)

• Tensions Run High during the Days of the Revolution

House from Erdőbénye (II-4)

• The Red Star Must Go!

House from Mád (II-8)

• Keep the Revolution Pure!

Middle-class home from Gyöngyös (II-9)

VII. Southern Transdanubia

• Supplies

House from Fadd (VII-1)

• Miners’ Protest

House from Hidas (VII-2)

• Violence

House from Szenna (VII-5)

• Farewell

House from Drávacsehi (VII-6)

IX. Western Transdanubia

• The “Kulak” Stigma

House from Szentgyörgyvölgy (IX-3)

X. Little Hungarian Plain

• Escape

House from Jánossomorja (X-5)

• Uniform

House from Bogyoszló (X-7)

• Land Redistribution

House from Süttör (X-8)

• Victim

House from Ásványráró (X-13)

We reserve the right to alter the programme!

Photographs and videos may be taken at events held at the Skanzen. By participating in the program, you consent to the museum using these recordings on its social media platforms and website. You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting kommunikacio@skanzen.hu.