The Skanzen in Szentedre, Hungary (Hungarian Open Air Museum) was founded in 1967. First it operated as the Village Museum Department of the Budapest Ethnographical Museum, then in 1972 it became independent. 

The Skanzen is functioning in an area of 76 hectares. Uniquely in Europe, it is part of the national open air museum network of regional skanzens to preserve cultural heritage. 

The Museum undertakes to exhibit and preserve original folk architecture, interior decoration, farming and way of life in the Hungarian language area from the 2nd half of the 18th century to the 1st half of the 20th, demonstrating the way of life and presenting the rural architecture of Hungary through authentic objects and original, relocated houses arranged in old settlement patterns.  

The Museum preserves the traditions of 18th-19th century vernacular architecture of Hungary as a historical heritage – unique in Europe. Almost 400 buildings were relocated into the museum, arranged into village-like regional units on the basis of ethnographical considerations. Within the units, buildings are fitted into the traditional system of peasant households, supplemented by sacred, communal and outbuildings which used to be integral parts of traditional villages. Dwellings and farm-buildings represent the typical houses and outbuildings that have evolved historically in each region. Besides the buildings, thousands of different folk art objects can be viewed within the permanent exhibitions. 

A period motor train helps inside transport within the Skanzen. Regular workshops and museum pedagogy activities are organised to entertain visitors and educate pupils from schools all over Hungary.  

The Skanzen has a special dementia programme called "Reminiscence in the Museum". It is the first museum in Hungary, which has the mission to raise society's awareness of dementia and as part of their museum pedagogy program with the mandate to improve the quality of life of people living with dementia.  The Skanzen organises special activities for them on a regular basis, including their caregivers and relatives, to help intergenerational communication. The Dementia Program is always organised around a central theme e.g.: related to a church holiday (e.g. Easter, Advent), or other special occasions and topics (e.g. May Day celebrations, Mother's Day, spring cleaning etc.), and offers a powerful and pioneering approach to dementia care by using the museum's authentic, multi-sensory environment—with historical buildings, objects, and activities—to stimulate long-term memories and improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers. By immersing participants in a familiar, nostalgic setting, the program provides a sense of security and purpose, fostering positive emotions and social connection. This innovative initiative not only helps slow the progression of dementia but also raises public awareness and combats the social stigma. The programme received Sozial Marie Prize for social innovation in 2024.   

The Skanzen awaits its visitors with several events and festivals during the year. These include Hussars’ Day, Skanzen Easter, Whitsun Heritage Festival, Night of Museums, August 20th Event, ’56 in the Countryside, and St. Martin's New Wine and Goose Festivalwhere many handicrafts, concerts, and presentations of traditional crafts make the visit even more memorable.  

In September, for World Alzheimer’s Month, the museum organises a dedicated day to raise awareness about dementia and advocate for better support and understanding for those affected. JA JadeHealth will be introduced at this September event, represented by the National Directorate General for Hospitals (OKF?). 

Currently 9 regional units are exhibited in the territory of the Skanzen: 

• Northern Hungarian Village
• Upland Market Town
• Upper-Tisza
• Market Town in The Great Hungarian Plain
• Southern Transdanubia
• Bakony, Balaton-Uplands
• Western Transdanubia
• Little Hungarian Plain
• Transylvania 

During the past 50 years the Hungarian Open Air Museum has become one of the most successful museums of Hungary based on its exhibitions, infrastructure, programmes,  professional and scientific results. The annual number of visitors has reached around 200 000 people during the 7-month opening time, demonstrating popularity among both inland and foreign tourists, and has received several awards: Museum of the Year (2000), The most Visitor-friendly Museum (2004), Prima Primissima Award (2005). 

Further information about the Skanzen : https://skanzen.hu/en 

Information on "Reminiscence in the Museum" programme: https://www.sozialmarie.org/en/projects/9487 

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