Budapest Guide
Lipótváros and Újlipótváros
The National Bank
Opening time: Mon– Fri 9am–4pm
Price: Free
Website: www.lk.mnb.hu
Address: Szabadság tér 8
Ignác Alpár designed the National Bank (Magyar Nemzeti Bank), which still functions as such and is notable for the bas-reliefs on its exterior, representing such diverse aspects of wealth creation as Magyars ploughing and herding, ancient Egyptians harvesting wheat, and Vikings loading longships with loot. The stones for its columns were hauled all the way from Transylvania by oxen. The stylish Visitor Centre features curiosities like the "Kossuth" banknotes that were issued in America during the politician's exile after the failed War of Independence, and notes denominated in billions of forints from the period of hyper-inflation in 1946. Look out too for the stained-glass windows on the stairs. Across the way outside, the mirrored-glass and granite Bank Centre is a triumphant affirmation of the fact that Hungary has rejoined the capitalist system.