House of Terror
The House of Terror was once the secret police headquarters for the communist government and is a must when staying in Budapest apartments. It was used to detain and torture Hungarian victims, believed to be an enemy of the regime. Representing the fight for independence, the Museum is a memorial for the Hungarian people that suffered the terror of the regime both within these walls and throughout Hungary.
The House of Terror opened in 2002 and houses exhibits relating to the Nazi-Soviet alliance. It also conveys the takeover of Arrow Cross - the Nazi-affiliated, fascist party, during World War Two, responsible for the brutal extermination of Budapest Jews. The exhibits take visitors on an emotional journey through the 50 years of repression, and you can see for yourself, the basement cells used for interrogation and torture, and the portraits of those who suffered, hanging on the walls of the museum’s atrium.
Before the opening of the museum, the building was internally and externally renovated, based on the architectural design of Attila F. Kovács. It’s striking in comparison with its neighbouring buildings on Andrássy Avenue, with its black exterior, granite sidewalks and awning with the words ‘terror’ inscribed, as a reminder of the terror inflicted on the Hungarian people.
The House of Terror Museum is located in the heart of the Pest side of the city, and is surrounded by many great Budapest apartment rentals.