I am a gardener and that is my pride
Mór Jókai on Sváb Hill
The exhibition of the Petőfi Literary Museum in the Jókai Garden
Cím
1121 Budapest, Költő u. 21.
Information:
Guided visits are possible for groups with advance notice between 1 November and 14 March
Telephone: (+36) 1 317-3611/ extensions 150; 151; 153
e-mail: muzeumped@pim.hu
The exhibition:
Sváb Hill in Buda became an increasingly popular location for excursions and holidays for the middle classes of Pest in the 1850s. That was when Mór Jókai and his wife, Róza Laborfalvi bought an estate here.
“When I bought my plot of land with a house on it on Sváb Hill from violin manufacturer Schweitzer for 2,200 forints it had no fruit trees. Last year I was offered 30,000 forints for my garden together with the building. But I am not selling it. This is a condition of my life. I could not buy myself the good health and a peace of mind that my garden blesses me with even for a million.”
The writer shared with his readers the experiences he gained in his garden which was full of fruit trees, grapevines, flowers and birds. He wrote about them in his novels and educational articles on gardening. While he filled thousands of sheets of paper with his characteristic writing in purple ink he produced wine, took his produce to fruit exhibitions and addressed parliament about viticulture.
Róza Laborfalvi managed her empire on Sváb Hill with an expertise greater than a village housekeeper: the kitchen, the vegetable garden and the poultry and she also looked after her Newfoundland dogs and birds.
Today the building of the Duna-Ipoly National Park Directorate is situated in place of their holiday home, while the former press house accommodates the exhibition of the Petőfi Literary Museum.
Mór Jókai’s relationship with the environment can be regarded as exemplary and to be followed even today.
Do enjoy (re)reading his novels and share his enthusiastic observation of nature’s miracles.
Getting there: by cograil or bus 21 to Városkút stop
The exhibition was staged as part of the project The Inspiring Century of the National Cultural Fund.
Ticket prices:
Entrance ticket: 500/250 Ft
Guided tour: 4000 Ft. / group
Opening Hours:
From 15 March to 31 October
Wednesday-Sunday 10am–6pm
Belépőjegy: 500 / 250.-Ft
Tárlatvezetés díja: 4000.-Ft / csoport