7th of May – The opening of the Geological Institute and Museum

The Hungarian Geological Museum was founded in 1868, a year before the Institute, which was supported by the world’s third geological association, the Hungarian Geological Association. The main aim was to analyse the different types of rocks found in Hungary thus supplying useful information for the state, economy and science. The building is most famous for its “Hungarian art nouveau” style designed by the unique architecture, Ödön Lechner.

Hungary’s oldest scientific research institute coalesced with the Hungarian Geological and Geophysical Institute on the 1^st of April, 2012. The main tasks of the institute include the geological mapping of the country; the supply of basic data for practical research; doing water-, environment-, agro-, engineer geological, geochemical, water chemical etc. researches and developments; the evaluation of mineral resources; the informing of economy and citizens etc.

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Museum.hu writes that the library and museum of the Geological Institute – being the depository of the expansion of geological knowledge – is rich in written documents and awaits visitors with several temporary and permanent exhibitions. You can get to know the story of the institute (which is under monumental protection), the work of Ödön Lechner, Hungary’s geology, minerals and the history of palaeozoological footprints.

After you visited one or more of the exhibitions, you can buy postcards, stamps, books, board games connected to geology and lastly comes children’s favourite: the “lion in a poke” containing original minerals or fossils in the skull of a 40 thousand-year-old cave lion. It’s an experience for the whole family!

Photos: www.jelesnapok.oszk.hu, www.checkmybudapest.blogspot.hu, www.fortepan.hu

Copy editor: bm

Source: Daily News Hungary