This moving museum focuses on the atrocities of Hungary’s fascist and Stalinist regimes and commemorates their victims. It's set up in the former headquarters of both the Arrow Cross Party (Hungarian Nazis) and later, the Communist Secret Police (the ÁVÓ and its successor, the ÁVH), used for interrogating and torturing "enemies of the state."
Descend into Darkness
The wall outside the House of Terror, displaying metallic plaques and photos of its many victims, speaks volumes, while the (communist) star and the (fascist) pointed Greek cross at the entrance, as well as the massive tank in the central courtyard, make for jarring introductions.
Start your visit by taking the lift to the top floor to walk through pre- and post-WWII history and get a clearer picture of the events leading up to the 1956 Uprising. Look out for the pieces of paper in every room that give you a detailed description of what you’re seeing. You’ll be exploring the museum from top to bottom, finally descending into the most harrowing part of the exhibition, the basement – a realm of fear and pain.
"Don’t Just Guard Them, Hate Them Too"
The motto of the ÁVÓ creeps under your skin as you look at the reconstructed prison cells in the basement, where people were detained and horrifically tortured. The "Hall of Tears" makes for a solemn place to pay your respect, while looking into the eyes of spies, torturers and turncoats at the Perpetrators’ Gallery on the staircase is especially chilling.
