Ukrainian refugees visited the museums of historical Hungarian city "Székesfehérvár"

Thanks to the cooperation between the Integration Center of Caritas Hungary and the Diocesan Museum of Székesfehérvár, on 15 June 2024, nearly 100 Ukrainian refugees had the opportunity to visit the city.

Every year on one summer evening, thousands of Hungarian museums keep their gates open until dawn for "The Night of Museums". At this occasion after purchasing a wristband, visitors have the opportunity to visit as many participating museums as they possibly can until the sun rises again. The institutions organizing the event in the city of Székesfehérvár, however, have had another unique goal for the last 15 years for this night: to raise funds from the sales of the wristbands for charitable purposes. In 2022 and 2023, the purpose for which cultural organizations of Székesfehérvár joined forces was supporting the museum visits of Ukrainian refugee children.

In the summer of 2024, with the help of Caritas Hungary (CH), several museum visits are planned for children from Ukraine, coordinated by the staff of CH's Integration Center.

The first visitors arrived in Székesfehérvár on the 15th of June, a total of almost 100 people. Bishop Antal Spányi, Zsolt Lehner, Deputy Mayor of Székesfehérvár and András Smohay, Director of the Diocesan Museum of Székesfehérvár welcomed the families in the heart of the city center.

The families' morning program included a visit to the National Memorial of Medieval Hungary's Coronation Basilica, and the exhibition "Solium Regni - The Throne of the Kingdom". Participants then also had a chance to take part in the 95th annual celebration for "The Week of Books" in downtown Székesfehérvár. In the afternoon, they visited the Diocesan Museum of Székesfehérvár and the exhibition "Treasures of Ancient China - The Age of the Jade Emperors" at the István Csók Gallery.

According to current plans, an additional 200 Ukrainian children will also have a chance to visit Székesfehérvár until the end of August to learn about the rich history of the city from its museums.

Source: Székesfehérvár Diocesan Museum and Studio

Translated by Caritas Hungary