The Palace of Wonders Budapest (or as locals calls it "Csopa") is an amazing and unique place that your kids will never forget. This Science Center offers a variety of attractions and experiences for children of all ages. With so many activities and attractions to explore, your kids will be entertained for hours. The goal of its exhibitions and programs is to enable people to gain knowledge about science through engaging, interactive activities that make learning a memorable and enjoyable experience. The Palace of Wonders Budapest, is an interactive science playground and entertainment centre.
The 5000m2 play area of Öveges' hall hosts a range of equipment and games related to science, especially the natural sciences. Additionally, lectures and experimental demonstrations are provided, as well as bespoke programmes, all of which are professionally authentic. The main mission of the Palace of Wonders Budapest is to bring science closer to the general public, to inspire and educate, to promote scientific thinking and to foster a sense of curiosity and exploration. The Palace of Wonders Budapest helps to create a bridge between science, art and culture, and to showcase the best of science and technology in a fun and interactive way.
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The Palace of Wonders Budapest and its History
In 1993, the Eötvös Loránd Physics Society (ELFT) and the Rubik International Foundation founded the Budapest Science Centre Foundation with the goal of establishing an "interactive science playhouse".
Who was Ernő Rubik?
Ernő Rubik is a Hungarian inventor, architect, and professor who is well-known for inventing the Rubik's Cube. His invention has become one of the most popular and iconic puzzles of all time, captivating players around the world. Rubik was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1944, and as a child, he was always interested in puzzles and mechanical objects. He studied architecture at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, and after graduating in 1971, he began teaching at the university.
In 1974, Rubik invented the cube as a teaching tool to help students understand three-dimensional problems. He called his invention the "Magic Cube", and it quickly became a sensation in Hungary. Soon, the cube was being sold in stores all around the world. Rubik's Cube was the first commercially successful combination puzzle, and it quickly gained a large following and became a worldwide phenomenon.
Since its invention, the Rubik's Cube has become a staple of popular culture. It has been featured prominently in movies, television, and video games. It has also been used as an educational tool to teach problem-solving skills. In fact, the World Cube Association holds official competitions for solving the puzzle.
Ernő Rubik is an example of an inventor who changed the world with his ingenuity and creativity. His invention, the Rubik's Cube, has become a cultural icon and an inspiration to millions around the world. His invention has inspired countless other inventors to pursue their own creations, and it is a testament to the power of a single good idea.
In 1994, the first exhibition of the Rubik's Cube took place at the lobby of the Budapest University of Technology, drawing lines of people extending kilometres long. Despite lasting just two weeks with a few days' break for repairs, the success of the exhibition led to its continuation in the following year at the Vasas Sports Hall, which was visited by 130 000 people. In order to meet the significant demand, the Rubik International Foundation provided support for a permanent exhibition space of around 1200 square metres located in the former Book House on Váci út in Budapest.
Currently situated in the Buda Entertainment & Gastro building in District III, the 5,000 square metre exhibition is open almost every day of the year for visitors to learn through interactive play. Spanning two floors, this educational experience is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Since its opening in 2017, the Palace of Wonders Budapest has been a premier science entertainment centre, boasting a 5,000 m2 space filled with more than 250 games, auditoriums, laboratories, 3 experiential projectors, 4 escape rooms, event rooms, flask cocktails, billiards, special foosball tables, and 27 interactive tables.
Palace of Wonders Budapest is one of the most amazing places your kids will ever see
Hungary and Central and Eastern Europe's first "science center", the Palace of Wonders, is an interactive science playground and entertainment center that provides experiential, informal learning opportunities for people of all ages to supplement undergraduate science education.
The Science Center for Kids offers a dynamic and exciting experience with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, a movie theater, a game room, and a café. Is a magnificent place located in the heart of Budapest, Hungary.
The palace is full of wonders for all members of family and is a must for all families. It provides engaging, meaningful entertainment for all ages.
An unforgettable experience guaranteed
The Palace of Wonders Budapest is a must-see destination for anyone looking for experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey, and is a unique and unforgettable journey.
Young kids can explore the fascinating world of light, forces, and electrons through play. School-aged children can build on their own experiences to understand scientific principles. Parents can bond with their children and even play together, while teens and adults can challenge their physical and mental abilities and stay up-to-date on their skills. Over-50s can also take part in the joy of exploration and deepen their understanding.
The venues include lecture halls, 3 experiential projection rooms, 4 escape rooms, and attractions such as interactive tables and special football tables. The multifunctional space of the Richter Gedeon laboratory offers exciting experiments in chemistry, physics, geology and biology. Lab activities are available for school and preschool groups. The Glass Room features 5D, 9D and circular cinema programmes and spectacular experiential projections.
The games, labelled with the Chip Sniffers sign, are fun and educational for preschoolers, specially designed to suit their age-specific needs. On weekends, the Bubble Show is joined by Science in a Story to entertain the little ones. The entire building is barrier-free, and there is a Baby Room and family bathroom on the upper level.
If you are looking for a spectacular experience, then come to the Palace of Wonders Budapest!
The different departments of the facility
Nature's workshop
Marvel in awe at the lights of the heavens and the warmth of the flames as did our forebears! Delve into the world that we inhabit. Explore science through play in nature's laboratory! Soar among the clouds in nature's laboratory! Children can take part in playful activities in the Creative Construction zone.
Hall of Scientists
This room is a celebration of the incredible accomplishments of renowned scientists and trailblazing professionals who radically transformed their fields. Have fun exploring our interactive tools and learning more about these remarkable individuals. We also invite you to visit our corner of scientific anecdotes and share some of the amazing stories from the lives of these remarkable people.
Come join us and take a selfie with the scientists!
Magnetic field in the Palace of Wonders Budapest
At the Magnetic Field exhibition of the Palace of Wonders Budapest, explore and play around with interactive tools suitable for different age groups and learn about magnets, magnetism and how to use them! Discover the answers to questions such as “what is a magnet made of?”, “what is magnetism?”, “are there any magnets in nature?”, “who discovered magnets and magnetism and how?” and “for what can we use magnets?”. Experience the law of attraction and repulsion and see first-hand what a magnetic fluid is like and what iron filings do under the effect of magnetic force. Explore the scientific explanation for the Palace of Wonder Budapest logo floating!
Space Station
At the Space Station, you can explore the wonders of the universe, from a simulated landing on Mars to the fascinating forces at play in rotating systems. Unlock the mysteries of space and help aliens return home with your skills and logic. Take on the mission and begin your journey!
The world of birth
At the Csopa Science Center, we have created an experience-based exhibition about conception, pregnancy, and birth, primarily for visitors over the age of 14. Of course, younger children can also attend with an accompanying adult, if their parents or a guardian feel this is appropriate.
As part of the exhibition, visitors can climb into a replica of a womb and listen to the sounds they experienced while they were a fetus. Male or female, they can also experience what it's like to be a mother in her ninth month of pregnancy. Additionally, they can test their skills by changing a baby's diaper, and assemble a DNA chain to match male and female chromosomes.
Illusions
Would you like to experience the art of Picasso through the labyrinth, room of mirrors, and 3D pictures? Immerse yourself in the infinite possibilities of his creations and be amazed by the wonders you will find.
Newton's apple garden
You are cordially invited to embark on an adventure with one of the most renowned scientists from the Scientific Revolution - Sir Isaac Newton! Explore his discoveries through fun and interactive activities, including discovering the laws of mechanics and gravity, delving into the colour theory and astronomy, and gaining an insight into Newton's life and works. Uncover the hidden wonders of science in an apple garden - what is the connection? Join us and find out!
Logic Station
If you're a fan of riddles, you're sure to have a blast here! Test your visual memory, concentration, reaction time, and problem solving abilities with a mechanical puzzle or an intriguing riddle. Put the day-to-day aside and dive into the fun!
Öveges Stage in the Palace of Wonders Budapest
At our demonstrations, you could become part of the wonders of physics! We often select assistants from the audience to be part of the show, which lasts approximately 30 minutes. Afterward, you can ask the demonstrator any questions you may have.
At Öveges Auditorium in the Palace of Wonders Budapest, you can take part in thrilling demonstrations in the fields of electricity, thermal sciences, and mechanics. The Physics Show offers a variety of physical (and sometimes chemical) experiments that you can be a part of.
Who was Professor Öveges (József Öveges)?
Piarist monk, physicist, priest, high school and university teacher, scout leader.
As one of the most prominent figures in the promotion of science, he has done much to promote science education, including through the Scientific Education Society (SYS), of which he was a member of the national board for over 30 years. As a member of the editorial board, he was also involved in the weekly Life and Science from 1953. He was editor-in-chief of the Hungarian Television programme 100 Questions - 100 Answers from 1958, a popular programme which was broadcast 135 times.
In his programme "My favourite experiments", he presented simple yet spectacular experiments, while explaining them with enjoyable, engaging enthusiasm and in an easy-to-understand way. He gave 256 talks on Hungarian Radio.
Escape rooms in the Palace of Wonders Budapest
Enjoy four unique escape rooms, each with its own scientific and experiential elements.
The Engineer's room: You and your team have the opportunity to learn from the great Master and assist him in creating his next groundbreaking invention. To be considered for this challenge, you must demonstrate creativity, knowledge, and skill. Entering the Master's workshop, you will be presented with the unfinished tasks he has left behind. Can you prove to the Master that you possess the necessary knowledge and abilities to become his worthy successors? Explore this room and find out!
Emergency room: Recently, a patient with severe injuries has been brought to the hospital, and her condition is dire. Despite this, the chief physician refuses to give up and is doing whatever they can to help. If you act quickly, you may be able to find a treatment to save the patient's life. However, please note that children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the emergency room.
World Explorer: The professor of archaeology is seeking the help of your team in decoding the puzzles written in an ancient explorer's diary that he recently discovered. The notes have been reconstructed in the room, and time is of the essence. If you do not act quickly, all of the professor's hard work over the years could be for nothing. Will you be able to uncover the secret of the traveller?
Green city: For a long time, the city has been powered by a coal-fired power plant, causing sickness to many of the inhabitants. A renewable source of energy is needed to replace the power plant and its fumes. Could green energy be an option? If so, is there enough time to implement it? The success of this endeavor will depend on the efforts of your team!
The program options available in the Palace of Wonders Budapest
Richter Gedeon laboratory
Glass Room
Escape rooms
Live screenings (5D, 9D,circular cinema)
Playbar games (Billiard football, Interactive tables)
The most well-known classic games
Inventor of the pendulum
What is the maximum distance one could jump in the solar system?
Forestry bed
LEGO Movie
Pirouette
Bridge of Mostari
Circulating capital
Velvet harp
Air cannon
Visible vibrations
Adhesive disc
Chaotic pendulum
Bouncing balls
Fog chamber
Curved horizontal
Running track
Flying mirror image
Tips and tricks
- The second floor of our building is equipped with a baby changing room, ensuring comfortable access for those of our youngest visitors.
- Demonstrators are available in the Palace of Wonders Budapest to assist with the elevators should you need to bring a baby carriage or wheel chair.
- The coat room is open all year round and free of charge.
- For those of you who wish to park, the garage is available within the building, with elevators to bring you up to the entrance or stairs to take you up.
- Nothing is more awkward than silence on a date. That is why it is wise to find a spot with activities to do while chatting and getting to know each other. Csopa is the perfect place for this; you can learn a lot about each other without speaking, and your date can go on without any uncomfortable pauses.
- After your visit to the Csopa gift shop, you can bring home valuable entertainment and thoughtful challenge with the games they offer. If you paid close attention at the Logic station, you can show off your skills with mechanical puzzles and logic wizards to the whole family!
- At any place we visit and have a good time, there is a buffet or bar where we can replenish our energy with a delicious cold drink, coffee or other beverage after a day of entertainment.
Opening Hours
Every day: 10:00 - 19:00
Ticket prices (2023)
Under 3 years of age: free of charge
Adult: 5.000 HUF
Retired, child and student ticket: 3.500 HUF
(People aged 3-18 years, those up to 25 years old, and those over 60 years old.)
Family ticket: 15.000 HUF
(2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children, are eligible to receive a discount.)
Family adventure package with escape room for 4 people 20.000 HUF
(2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children, are eligible to receive a discount.)
Includes: Family ticket + optional escape room
Family adventure package with escape room and movie for 4 people 22.400 HUF
(2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children, are eligible to receive a discount.)
Includes: Family ticket + optional escape room + optional movie
5D: 600 HUF
(The duration of one screening typically ranges from 3 - 5 minutes)
9D: 600 HUF
(The duration of one screening typically ranges from 3 - 5 minutes)
Circular cinema: 600 HUF
(The duration of one screening typically ranges from 3 - 5 minutes)
Billiard football: 2.000 HUF
Game time: 30 min
Number of participants 2-6 person
Escape rooms:
Number of participants 2-5 person
Game time: maximum 45 minutes
For more informations about The Palace of Wonders Budapest visit the official website: Click here.
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