Budapest is a city full of surprises, where history and art meet around every corner. Among its many wonders, a unique and playful attraction has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike - the Kolodko mini statues in Budapest. These tiny, bronze sculptures are scattered across the city, waiting to be discovered by curious eyes.
Created by the talented Ukrainian-Hungarian sculptor Mihály Kolodko, these statues tell stories of Hungarian history, culture, and folklore in the most delightful way. But here’s the challenge - can you find them all? Let’s embark on a treasure hunt through the streets of Budapest and uncover the magic behind these miniature masterpieces.
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Who is Mihály Kolodko? The Artist Behind the Miniatures
Before we dive into the hunt, let’s get to know the genius behind the Kolodko mini statues in Budapest. Mihály Kolodko (or Mihajlo Kolodko) is a sculptor renowned for his ability to blend humor, nostalgia, and deep cultural references into tiny, unexpected artworks.
Originally from Ukraine, Kolodko started his journey by creating miniature sculptures in Uzhhorod before bringing his talents to Budapest. His unique style mixes historical figures, literary characters, and pop culture references, making his sculptures beloved by all ages.
His works are not officially announced or marked on maps, which makes the search for them even more exciting. Each piece invites discovery, sparking curiosity and conversation among those who stumble upon them.
The Joy of the Hunt: Why People Love Kolodko’s Statues
Walking through the city in search of Kolodko mini statues in Budapest is more than just a sightseeing activity - it’s an adventure! Here’s why people are obsessed with finding them:
They’re Tiny Surprises – Unlike grand monuments, these statues are small and hidden in unexpected places. Some sit on ledges, others peek out from behind corners, making every find feel like a secret discovery.
They Tell Stories – Each statue has a meaning, often referencing Hungarian legends (cartoon figures or puppets), famous people, or childhood memories.
They Make You Explore the City – Searching for them takes you to different parts of Budapest, including lesser-known streets and charming corners you might otherwise miss.
They’re Social Media Gold – Many visitors love to snap pictures of the statues and share their finds on Instagram, making the hunt even more exciting!
Famous Kolodko Mini Statues in Budapest - Find Them All!
Now, let’s take a look at some of the most famous and beloved Kolodko mini statues in Budapest. How many of these have you seen?
Rubik's Cube
Site location: Sztehlo Gábor quay, opposite Vám street
GPS coordinates: 47.504777, 19.039626
Google Photos: Click here
Perched along the steps near Batthyány Square, with a breathtaking view of the Parliament building, stands one of the Kolodko mini statues in Budapest - a tribute to the world-famous Rubik’s Cube. Crafted by the renowned Transcarpathian Hungarian guerrilla sculptor Mihály Kolodkó, this tiny masterpiece celebrates the ingenious puzzle that has captivated minds for generations. Invented in 1974 by Ernő Rubik, the cube - originally called the "Magic Cube" - challenged players to restore its colorful chaos to perfect order through logical thinking and precise movements. What began as a Hungarian patent in 1975 quickly became a global sensation, spreading like wildfire and selling millions of units worldwide. The first-ever Rubik’s Cube World Championship was held in 1982, cementing its status as an iconic brain teaser. Today, the Rubik’s Cube remains one of Hungary’s greatest inventions, and its presence in Budapest, immortalized by Kolodkó’s whimsical sculpture, makes it a must-see for visitors and puzzle lovers alike.
Rusty Old Wind-Up Toy
Site location: Margaret Bridge
GPS coordinates: 47.514958, 19.039956
Google Photos: Click here
This small yet intriguing sculpture, sits near the Margaret Bridge, overlooking the Danube River and the Hungarian Parliament in the background.
The Franz Joseph Statue
Site location: Liberty Bridge
GPS coordinates: 47.486482, 19.056189
Google Photos: Click here
Perched delicately on the Liberty Bridge, once bearing his own name, Franz Joseph lounges in a tiny hammock, a serene yet unexpected presence above the Danube. The sculptor, known for securing his works with concrete, has instead embraced a more fitting approach - two simple padlocks, a familiar sight on bridges, now anchoring this whimsical creation to the railing. Every detail is exquisite: the emperor’s face, dignified and calm, his headgear resting elegantly on his lap, while the hammock’s netting seamlessly blends into the bridge’s intricate design. It’s a playful yet poignant tribute, another brilliant addition to the beloved Kolodko mini statues in Budapest. One can only hope the padlocks will hold, keeping this charming vision aloft for years to come.
Kolodko mini statues in Budapest: The Yoda Statue
Site location: Szent Gellért square (He is sitting on a handrail next to one of the escalators (upper level) of metro M4.)
GPS coordinates: 47.483426, 19.053980
Google Photos: Click here
Kolodko’s choice to place the wise figure of the universe - Yoda - here is a mystery wrapped in artistry. But perhaps, one of his followers is onto something:
I'm guessing Gellért Square because of the university, that's where the power is needed.
Think about it. A place of learning, where minds expand and knowledge flows - where young seekers of truth shape their futures. Isn’t that exactly where wisdom should reside? Yoda, the master of guidance, perched in the heart of academia, whispering silent lessons to those who dare to listen.
Maybe it’s a tribute to the force of knowledge itself. Or a quiet reminder that true power lies not in strength, but in wisdom.
The Lisa Simpson as Saint Joan of Arc (or Jeanne d'Arc) Statue
Site location: Fővám square 13.
GPS coordinates: 47.484755, 19.059089
Google Photos: Click here
In early 2020, the beloved statue of Lisa Simpson, depicted as a bound Joan of Arc near Jászai Mari Square, mysteriously vanished. Inspired by Tales from the Public Domain, an episode of The Simpsons, the statue captured the essence of Lisa’s bravery. Now, after years of absence, the artist Kolodko has decided to bring her back to life. In a video shared on his social media, he revealed that the new statue has been placed at Fővám Square. Just like its previous location, this new spot is also near a yellow tram - perhaps a playful tribute to Lisa’s iconic color. This latest addition to the Kolodko mini statues in Budapest continues to enchant locals and visitors alike, keeping the city’s streets full of surprises.
Kolodko mini statues in Budapest - Ratatouille
Site location: Döbrentei square
GPS coordinates: 47.490456, 19.047015
Google Photos: Click here
Nestled against the weathered walls near Elisabeth Bridge, the Kolodko mini statue titled Ratatouille captures a whimsical yet nostalgic essence. The tiny bronze rat, inspired by the beloved animated film, sits curiously beneath the faded pink graffiti spelling Lecsó - the Hungarian word for a traditional vegetable stew, which also happens to be the Hungarian title of Ratatouille. Nearby, a mysterious black cat stencil looms (not from the artist originally), adding an air of playful tension. The worn textures of the wall and stone ledge amplify the sense of hidden stories and urban charm, making this miniature artwork a delightful discovery for those who wander the city's streets with an observant eye.
Garfield head
Site location: Dembinszky street 2.
GPS coordinates: 47.504375, 19.076053
Google Photos: Click here
On June 19, 2023, a charming surprise appeared on the fence of the University of Veterinary Medicine in Budapest - a mischievous Garfield head, cleverly placed by Mihály Kolodko in his signature guerrilla art style. The miniature sculpture joins the company of a dog and a horse head, blending humor with the historic setting. This placement was no coincidence; on that exact day, Garfield celebrated his 45th birthday, marking the anniversary of Jim Davis’ beloved comic strip first published on June 19, 1978. The lazy, lasagna-loving cat now has a hidden tribute among the Kolodko mini statues in Budapest, bringing smiles to those who stumble upon it. Happy Birthday, Garfield!
Kolodko mini statues in Budapest - Winnie the Pooh
Site location: Damjanich street 27.
GPS coordinates: 47.507691, 19.078645
Google Photos: Click here
On the anniversary of Frigyes Karinthy’s birth, a new addition has been made to the historic marble plaque at 27 Damjanich Street, where the famous Hungarian writer, poet, and translator was born in 1887. Below the plaque now sits Mihály Kolodkó’s latest creation - one of my beloved Kolodko mini statues in Budapest - this time depicting Winnie the Pooh. The tiny bear, holding a honey pot high above his head, eagerly tries to extract the very last drop of his favorite treat. This charming sculpture is a tribute not only to A.A. Milne’s classic but also to Karinthy’s deep connection to the story. In 1935, the Hungarian edition of Winnie the Pooh was published in his translation, though he did not speak English. His sister, Emília (affectionately called "Mici"), prepared the text for him, leading Karinthy to name the beloved bear "Micimackó" ("Mici bear") in her honor. This heartfelt nod to literary history brings warmth and nostalgia to the streets of Budapest, celebrating the legacy of both Karinthy and the whimsical world of Pooh.
The Bomb
Site location: Elisabeth Bridge Buda side
GPS coordinates: 47.489151, 19.046875
Google Photos: Click here
This mini-sculpture is a reflection on a political campaign poster, based on the image displayed in a video posted by the artist on his website. The small animal hanging on the bomb is as yet unidentified and is only a matter of conjecture.
The Fourteen Carat Car
Site location: Hevesi Sándor square, in front of the Hungarian Theatre
GPS coordinates: 47.503475, 19.072763
Google Photos: Click here
Mihajlo Kolodko, the renowned sculptor behind the beloved Kolodko mini statues in Budapest, has unveiled a new and strikingly larger creation: the iconic fourteen-carat gold car from Jenő Rejtő’s legendary 1940 novel, "A tizennégy karátos autó" ("The Fourteen Carat Car"). This thrilling adventure follows Iván Gorcsev, a daring young man who, after winning the Nobel Prize in physics through a high-stakes game of Macao, embarks on a whirlwind journey of love, wealth, and intrigue - ultimately leading him to the French Foreign Legion and a mission to recover a stolen Alfa Romeo crafted largely from pure gold. Kolodko's latest piece captures the essence of this unforgettable tale, with its shimmering golden accents bringing to life the novel’s larger-than-life spirit. Set just steps from The process (1985) and near the street named after Rejtő, this sculpture solidifies the writer’s enduring presence in Budapest’s cultural landscape. With three commemorations of Rejtő within mere meters, the city pays a fitting tribute to one of Hungary’s most beloved literary figures.
Why Kolodko mini statues in Budapest Matter: More Than Just Art
The Kolodko mini statues in Budapest are more than just quirky decorations. They bring joy to people of all ages, encourage exploration, and make history and culture accessible in a fun way.
Each sculpture tells a story - whether it’s a historical event, a beloved character, or a humorous take on Hungarian identity. They connect past and present, showing how art can transform even the smallest spaces into something meaningful.
Conclusion: Start Your Own Mini Statue Adventure!
Now that you know about the Kolodko mini statues in Budapest, are you ready to start your own treasure hunt? Whether you find one or all of them, each discovery will bring a smile to your face and a deeper appreciation for this beautiful city.
So, next time you wander through Budapest, keep your eyes open - you never know when you’ll stumble upon a tiny piece of magic!
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