Ethnographic Museum, Pecs

The Ethnographic Museum in Pecs is an essential institution preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Baranya County. Operated by the Janus Pannonius Museum, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of the region's ethnographic diversity from the early 18th century to the mid-20th century. Baranya County stands out as the only area in southern Hungary with a unique ethnic and ethnographic composition, housing a variety of communities including ten Hungarian ethnographic groups, as well as Germans, Croatians, Serbs, and Roma.

The museum's exhibitions present a detailed look at the everyday lives and artistic expressions of these communities. Visitors can explore woodwork collections, colorful costumes, traditional textiles, embroidery, pottery, and handcrafted furniture. These objects highlight the remarkable craftsmanship of the region’s peasants and artisans, who developed distinctive tools, vessels, and artistic styles that reflect their multicultural influences and religious diversity.

A special highlight of the museum is its dedicated section on Baranya County's most famous folk tradition, the Buso March, celebrated annually in Mohacs. This unique event, featuring elaborately carved wooden masks and traditional costumes, is a central element of Hungary’s intangible cultural heritage. The museum also showcases other regional folk traditions, such as the Girls' Fair in Pecsvarad, alongside religious relics and folk instruments.

The Ethnographic Museum in Pecs is home to Hungary’s second-largest ethnographic collection, with an extensive textile archive, as well as significant holdings of ceramics, furniture, sacred objects, and photography. The permanent exhibition covers settlement patterns, construction techniques, household furnishings, and the evolution of textile arts. It also includes artifacts from the renowned Zsolnay factory, illustrating the fusion of local craftsmanship with industrial innovation.

Through its preservation and research efforts, the Ethnographic Museum in Pecs continues to be a vital resource for understanding the material and spiritual heritage of southern Hungary.