Hidden beneath Deák Ferenc Square in central Budapest, the Underground Railway Museum celebrates the legacy of continental Europe’s first subway line—the Millennium Underground Railway, inaugurated in 1896. Opened in 1975 within a decommissioned metro tunnel, the museum offers a rare glimpse into the city’s transit history through original carriages, vintage uniforms, maps, and photographs. Visitors can step inside restored vehicles from the M1 line and view the iconic “Gizella tér” station sign crafted from Zsolnay tiles. The museum’s immersive setting, housed in the very infrastructure it commemorates, adds authenticity to its exhibits. Temporary displays and educational programs explore the evolution of Budapest’s metro system, while a children’s corner and museum shop enhance the experience. As part of the Hungarian Museum of Transport, this compact yet evocative museum offers a unique perspective on urban innovation and remains a must-see for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
Budapest HungaryThe Underground Railway Museum, also known as the Millennium Underground Museum, is centrally located beneath Deák Ferenc tér in Budapest, with its entrance accessible from the pedestrian subway inside the main ticket office of the Deák Ferenc tér metro station. Here, visitors encounter a unique museum set within a disused section of the original M1 “millennium” metro tunnel—the oldest underground railway on the European continent, inaugurated in 1896. The museum displays original carriages, historic documents, photographs, and interactive exhibits tracing the evolution of Budapest’s iconic yellow metro line. Surrounded by some of Budapest’s most significant attractions, Deák Ferenc tér itself is a vibrant transport and urban hub. Within a short walk, you’ll find St. Stephen’s Basilica, the lively pedestrian area of Váci utca for shopping and dining, and the Great Synagogue on Dohány Street, as well as the lush spaces of Erzsébet tér. This prime downtown location makes it easy for visitors to combine an exploration of Budapest’s transport heritage with the city’s major cultural and historic sites.