Ten million items. Can you imagine? That’s how many treasures are housed within these walls the National Széchenyi Library.
This magnificent institution isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to Hungary’s rich cultural heritage. Founded in 1802 by Count Ferenc Széchenyi a truly patriotic aristocrat he envisioned a national library. He travelled the world acquiring Hungarian books. He donated them to the Hungarian people. This generous act sparked a nationwide movement. People donated their own books.
In 1803 the National Széchenyi Library opened its doors in Pest. It wasn’t just books. The Hungarian National Assembly in 1808 added historical archaeological and natural relics. The library became the custodian of Hungary’s written printed and objective past. This unique union of library and museum continues to this day.
The National Széchenyi Library holds incredible items. There’s the original score of Hungary’s national anthem Himnusz. The library also has Szózat another cherished Hungarian song. In 2014 a librarian made an astonishing discovery four pages of a Mozart sonata autograph. This was a significant addition to the library’s already impressive collection.
The library’s collection includes hungarica everything published within Hungary in Hungarian or by Hungarians. It receives two copies of every book published in the country. That’s quite a collection. There are around 1400000 manuscripts alone. The library also boasts an impressive collection of maps. In fact it includes Tabula Hungariae. This is the earliest known printed map of Hungary. The National Széchenyi Library is continually working to digitize its collection. This gives researchers worldwide convenient access to these incredible resources. Think about it. You’re standing before a library that holds a fragment of a Gutenberg Bible. It also holds the Chronica Hungarorum. This was the first book printed in Hungary in 1473.
The National Széchenyi Library is more than a repository of books. It is a vibrant center for research. It’s a place for cultural events and exhibitions. It embodies the spirit of Hungary’s past and its future. It is a place where history whispers from the pages. And the future unfolds.