Bedö-Ház, located at Honvéd u 3 near the Hungarian Houses of Parliament in Budapest, stands out visually from its neighbors. The building's curved windows (all different), carved façade and distinctive Zsolnay ceramic work make it an outstanding exemplar of Hungarian Szecesszió (Secessionist) architecture and art. The structure features three floors of beautiful works – furniture, paintings, glassware and objects of practical or decorative value. The collection provides a wonderful glimpse of life in Budapest during the early 20th Century.  

 

Art Nouveau Café and Museum
One door at the museum's ground-level entrance leads to a café, which is in itself well worth visiting because it contains authentic tables and furnishings. The second door provides entry to the museum's holdings. Visitors first encounter a lamp decorated with dragonflies; it rests on the reception desk.
 
Ground-floor Installation of Dining Settings and More
Access to the first floor is through a beautiful pair of green gates. They're not original to the building, but they are from the same period. This level contains a permanent installation of dining settings, sitting rooms, paintings, sideboards, clocks and windows. One highlight is a table setting with exquisite six-sided tea cups and saucers.
 
Basement Floor: Art Nouveau Jewelry, Silverware and Ceramics
Downstairs in the original cellar space, also entered through a pair of decorative gates, are large pieces of furniture – sideboards, desks, wardrobes and dressers. Around the walls and columns are period paintings. The gallery's far-end is lined with cabinets, each replete with chinaware, glassware, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass and silverware. It's a treasure trove of sumptuous objets d'art. 
 
Don't miss the clock with the figure of Father Time holding his scythe and an hourglass. Nearby is a tiny timepiece with a skull and crossbones set in the 6 o’clock position. There are also decorative vases, tea and coffee sets, serving trays, hairbrushs and mirrors. Some of the works are marked with details of their manufacturers and dates. 
 
Before entering the room, note the signs for the Ladies and Gents bathrooms in the Art Nouveau fashion of that day. Also exhibited on this level are water fountains from the streets of Budapest. 
 
First Floor: Art Nouveau Bedroom Setting and Lights
Upstairs is a display of lounge and dining settings. There are furnishings for a man’s and a woman's salon. At the end of the gallery is a complete bedroom with ladies' and gentlemen’s accessories, including a cosmetic table with folding lid. Notable are a sequined dress, mirrors, some massive clocks and beautifully tiled and decorated stoves. Look for the lighting fixtures, especially the one whose design incorporates a spider web motif!
 
The museum's first floor also features a small shop where merchandise, although not necessarily antique, can be purchased. 
 
Signage and the Uniquebudapest Art Nouveau Tour
There aren’t any informational plaques and labels, but they're not really necessary. Bedö-Ház is the type of museum just to wander around in, admire the beautiful objects and imagine living in such splendor. The galleries are spacious and illuminated well.
 
The Uniquebudapest Art Nouveau and Eclectic Walking Tour starts at the Bedö-Ház Museum, one of several Hungarian institutions housed in Art Nouveau mansions.