Located on Nagymező Street in Budapest’s vibrant cultural quarter, Mai Manó House is a neo-Renaissance gem dedicated to photography. Originally built in 1894 by imperial court photographer Mai Manó as his studio and residence, the eight-story building now serves as the Hungarian House of Photography. Its richly decorated interiors—featuring marble staircases, stained glass windows, and the iconic Daylight Studio—create a unique atmosphere for exhibitions. The venue hosts rotating shows by Hungarian and international photographers, ranging from historical retrospectives to cutting-edge contemporary work. A mezzanine bookshop doubles as a gallery, while the third-floor library offers a vast collection of photography literature. With its blend of architectural charm and curatorial depth, Mai Manó House is more than a museum—it’s a living tribute to the art of photography and a cornerstone of Budapest’s creative scene. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a curious visitor, the house offers an inspiring journey through visual storytelling in one of the city’s most enchanting settings.
Budapest HungaryMai Manó House, also known as the Hungarian House of Photography, is located at 20 Nagymező Street, 1065 Budapest, right in the city’s lively theatre district between Andrássy Avenue and Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Road. This unique eight-story neo-Renaissance building, originally built as a 19th-century studio for Imperial and Royal Court Photographer Mai Manó, now hosts rotating exhibitions of Hungarian and international photography, along with a bookshop and a library. The house stands directly opposite the Budapest Operetta Theatre and is adjacent to the Thália Theatre, making it a key destination in the city’s cultural heart. Just a few minutes’ walk leads to the iconic Hungarian State Opera House, as well as the Franz Liszt Academy of Music and the House of Terror Museum along the elegant Andrássy Avenue. With Oktogon and Opera metro stations (M1) nearby and several bus, tram, and trolleybus routes, visitors can easily access other highlights such as St Stephen’s Basilica and the Nyugati Railway Station. Mai Manó House is perfectly situated for those interested in theatre, music, and historic city walks, offering a distinct blend of architectural heritage and photographic art at its core.