Right in the heart of Budapest, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Parliament building, the Szamos Chocolate Museum offers a dream destination for chocolate lovers and history enthusiasts alike. This museum is more than just an exhibition space – it is a tribute to the Szamos family’s enduring passion for sweets, marzipan and, of course, fine chocolate.

The story behind Szamos

The journey of Szamos family’s manufactory began with a young boy named Mátyás Szamos. Born into a modest Serbian-Hungarian family in Szentendre, Hungary, Mátyás discovered his love for sweets early on. As an apprentice at the renowned Auguszt confectionery, he honed his skills under the guidance of a Danish master, learning the art of marzipan sculpting. Mátyás Szamos began making marzipan roses by hand in the 1930s, that set him apart from the rest.

In 1956, at the National Confectionery Exhibition, his marzipan and caramel globe won the admiration of judges, paving the way for his future success. Over time, the Szamos family transformed their love for sweets into a thriving business. Today, three generations continue to uphold Mátyás Szamos’s legacy, with over 500 employees working to keep Hungarian confectionery traditions alive.

Szamos Confectionery has expanded beyond marzipan to become one of Hungary’s most beloved confectionery brands. Over the decades, the brand introduced new products, including their famous marzipan-covered chocolate bonbons, pralines and traditional Hungarian pastries.

The Szamos family has always emphasized quality, using the finest ingredients and staying true to their artisanal roots. Despite growing into a major enterprise, they have kept the production process close to home, ensuring that each product maintains its original charm and high standard.

The Chocolate Museum

The Szamos Chocolate Museum offers a delightful journey through the history of chocolate, from its origins in ancient cocoa-growing regions to its place in European royal courts. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including:

• Chocolate making tools & equipment – A fascinating display of antique chocolate molds, processing machines and packaging from different eras.
• The art of chocolate drinking – Discover the elegance of 19th and 20th-century aristocratic chocolate salons, complete with vintage porcelain and silverware.
• Marzipan masterpieces – The museum showcases breathtaking marzipan sculptures, including a life-sized, 78-kilogram “Chocolate Girl” statue, inspired by Jean-Étienne Liotard’s famous painting. Other remarkable creations include a miniature marzipan model of the Hungarian Parliament and detailed replicas of royal regalia.
• A retro chocolate workshop – Step back in time to a 1920s-style candy store and a century-old chocolate workshop, filled with nostalgic packaging and traditional chocolate-making tools.
• Chocolate tasting & hands-on fun – The museum offers interactive experiences, where visitors can try their hand at decorating chocolate bars and taste a variety of gourmet treats.
• Cocoa farming & processing – A deep dive into the origins of cocoa, showcasing the cultivation and processing of cocoa beans from equatorial regions.

On the upper floor of the Szamos Café at Kossuth Square, the museum invites guests to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of chocolate and marzipan. Visitors can explore the exhibits at their own pace or join a guided chocolate tour for a deeper understanding of the craft. Online reservations are required for the guided tours, where guests can also create their own sweet masterpieces to take home.

• Address: 1055 Budapest, Kossuth square 10. (Szamos Cafe – second floor)
• Opening hours: every day, from 10 am till 18 pm
• Official website: csokolademuzeum.hu
• Accessibility: trams 2, 2B, 23; metro line M2; bus 15

(Sources: 1, 2, 3)