The Lajos Kossuth Museum (Hungarian House) in Kütahya is an 18th-century wooden Turkish house where Lajos Kossuth, leader of the Hungarian independence movement, stayed in exile from 1850-1851 and drafted the Hungarian constitution; entry is free.
This wooden house, located in Kütahya's Börekçiler Neighborhood on a street also known as Hungarian Street, was originally a mansion belonging to Hamdi Bey of Kütahya. Between 1850 and 1851, Lajos Kossuth, the leader of the Hungarian independence movement who sought refuge in the Ottoman Empire, was hosted here with his family and a group of 56 refugees. Kossuth not only lived in this house but also drafted the Hungarian Constitution here. He also conducted a grammar study that included Bulgarian and Shumen dialects.
The two-story, seven-room house, with no windows facing the street, is the only surviving example of 18th-century classical Kütahya civil architecture with an outer sofa plan type. The ground floor houses the selamlık (men's reception) section, followed by the bedroom and Kossuth's study. The large balcony on the second floor overlooks the garden and Kütahya Castle. In addition to original household items such as divans, built-in cupboards, and carved sherbet dispensers, the museum displays Kossuth's musical instruments, a tobacco shredder, an 18th-century piano, and Hungarian porcelain sets.
Visitors describe the museum as small but impressive, with rooms carefully preserved. A visit typically lasts 10-15 minutes. It's a short but worthwhile stop for those who want to view Kütahya's history from a different perspective. Being within walking distance of the Ulu Mosque, it can easily be added to a historical itinerary in the city center.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Kütahya historical places, Poet Şeyhi (Hekim Sinan) Tomb.
Guide's Note
The Story of Kossuth House
Lajos Kossuth, leader of the Hungarian independence movement, who sought refuge in the Ottoman Empire in 1849, was settled in Kütahya with his family and a group of 56 refugees between 1850-1851. Staying in this mansion belonging to Hamdi Bey of Kütahya, Kossuth drafted the Hungarian Constitution here. The house was restored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and opened as a museum on September 19, 1982.
House Architecture and Rooms
The two-story, seven-room wooden house is the only surviving example of 18th-century civil architecture in Kütahya with an outer sofa plan type. The ground floor features the selamlık section, followed by the bedroom and the study. The hall on the second floor opens onto a large balcony surrounded by divans. From this balcony, the garden and Kütahya Castle are visible. Visitors particularly enjoy the house's view.
When to Visit
Since the museum is small, there's no need to wait for a specific season. Adding it to your itinerary while visiting other historical sites in Kütahya is the most practical approach. In the morning, the light illuminates the interiors better, which is advantageous for those who want to take photos.
How to Get There
The museum is approximately 900 meters from the city center, in Börekçiler Neighborhood. It can be reached by public bus number 9. As it is within walking distance of the Ulu Mosque, it is a natural stop for those completing the historical route in the center on foot.
How Much Time to Allocate
As frequently mentioned in visitor reviews, a visit takes 10-15 minutes. It doesn't constitute a half-day program on its own but is an easy stop to add to a Kütahya city center tour (Ulu Mosque, Tile Museum, castle surroundings).
Things to Note
Visitors note that the museum is not wheelchair accessible. There are no buffets or dining options nearby. Finding suitable parking for cars can also be difficult, so walking is a more convenient option.
How to Include in a Kütahya Trip
The Kossuth Museum is located on the same route as the Ulu Mosque and other historical buildings in the city center. Including this stop as a short break while visiting the Tile Museum and the area around Kütahya Castle enriches the day without being tiring.
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