The Hungarian National Museum’s new temporary exhibition dubbed The American Dream explores the fate of Hungarians who emigrated to the United States, also paying tribute to the 250th anniversary of the US’s independence.

New, exciting National Museum exhibition to be open for months

The exhibition explores how hundreds of thousands of Hungarians sought happiness on the other side of the ocean in the past 250 years, the state secretary for public collections and heritage protection told the opening of the exhibition on Wednesday. Zsolt Sári added that the exhibition’s three galleries tell the story of the dream of freedom, prosperity and success.

“There are few anniversaries in world history that are both a national celebration and a universal historical milestone,” the museum’s director general said. The 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence is such an occasion, Gábor Zsigmond added.

American dream never belonged to a single nation

Caroline Savage, charge d’affaires ad interim at the US Embassy in Budapest, said that this exhibition was a fitting way to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US and to celebrate the remarkable shared history of Hungary and the US.

She added that the American Dream had never belonged exclusively to a single nation; it had been shaped by millions of people who brought their talents, determination and heritage with them to the US. She added that countless businesses founded by Hungarians have advanced science and medicine, created works of art and helped shape every aspect of American society.

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Visitors will be able to see memorabilia that belonged to 19th century statesman Lajos Kossuth, a cigarette case that belonged to renowned actress Katalin Karády, a rifle used by zoologist and museum founder János Xantus during the American Civil War, and Hungarian former professional basketball player Kornél Dávid’s jersey that he wore while playing for the Chicago Bulls. In addition, the exhibition running through 1 November explores the lives of ordinary Hungarians who found a new home in the US.

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