Attraction Guide: House of Terror, Budapest, Hungary

House of Terror Guide

Confronting the Past: A Memorial to Victims of Totalitarian Regimes Guide

The House of Terror is a museum and memorial in Budapest dedicated to the victims of the Nazi and Soviet regimes in Hungary. Housed in the former headquarters of the Arrow Cross Party and later the ÁVH (State Protection Authority), the museum offers a chilling and thought-provoking glimpse into the horrors of totalitarian rule. It serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom and democracy. The building itself has a dark history, having been used as a prison and torture center by both the Nazi and Soviet regimes. After the fall of communism in Hungary, the building was transformed into a museum to commemorate the victims of these oppressive regimes. The museum opened in 2002 and has since become an important site for historical education and remembrance. Visitors to the House of Terror can explore exhibits that document the history of the Nazi and Soviet occupations of Hungary, the activities of the Arrow Cross Party and the ÁVH, and the experiences of political prisoners and victims of torture. The museum features artifacts, photographs, documents, and personal stories that bring the past to life. The building's basement, which once housed prison cells, is particularly haunting.