Scavenger Hunt in the Paris of the East
The Hidden Mini Statues of Budapest
What do a murdered squirrel, a tiny tank and Hungarian puppet have in common? No, this isn’t some weird riddle; they are all the artistic antics of Mihály Kolodko, a guerilla-sculptor, a Ukranian citizen with Hungarian origins.
It’s basically the Pokemon game but for vacationing adults, it’s a scavenger hunt throughout the city. I can admit I did spread this task out over several days, they are REALLY spread to all corners of the city. There was one that I spent a good 20 minutes walking in circles trying to find it and I am pretty sure the people thought I was crazy walking in circles. hahaha, but alas I found that stinker.
These mini statues keep popping up throughout the city, so be on the lookout for the next whimsical installations. There literally is no idea what Kolodko will think of next but this was the most fun for me and a GREAT way to wonder the city and explore areas and side streets that the average tourist doesn’t visit.
If you are ever in Budapest and want to go hunting for mini sculptures here is the comprehensive map indicating where all these mini statues are. Sadly there was one I could not find hidden in the giant city park, good thing it was only a urinal and being a woman, I don’t use the urinals. buwahaha
oh Man I missed out
Since my stay things have changed
I am writing this post well over a year late and while looking back through my pictures and reviewing the website, it appears that there are 5 new statues added to the list that were not there in January 2022. I guess this means I am going back to Hungary.
Just to highlight a few of my favourites
…but the full gallery is below.
A Body with a Chalk Outline
Here lies the murdered squirrel
You wouldn’t expect to come across a murdered squirrel, his body outlined by chalk and his hand clutching a gun. Unsure of exactly what happened to the furry victim (was it a homicide or suicide? Is the perpetrator still at large?) This was was
A Symbol of a Revolution
Tiny Tank
Many of these guerilla sculptures may be small but they offer a powerful message, including this mini tank, also found near the riverbank on Bem Quay.
This tank symbolizes Hungary’s 1956 revolution, as indicated by the bold white letting “Ruszkik Haza!” (“Russian’s go home!”) etched on the side of the tank. While the tank is facing Parliament its gun is facing downward to signify the end of the revolution.
Did you know?
Rubik’s Cube
Did you know that this popular puzzle toy is a Hungarian invention? So it should come as no surprise that Kolodko wanted to commemorate the Rubik’s Cube by making it into a miniature statue.
While you won’t be able to solve this puzzle you can enjoy its clever craftsmanship by heading to the Buda riverbank near Batthyány Square where you’ll find it opposite Parliament.
But that view though!
Checkered-Eared Rabbit
This floppy-eared bunny has a bird’s-eye view of the city, surveying the Danube through her telescope.
Continuing his nostalgic-look into Hungarian TV history, Kolodko presented the kockásfülű nyúl (checkered-eared rabbit) in November 2018 at the top of the Castle Hill Funicular.
Written in the 1970s by Veronika Marék and animated by Zsolt Richly, the show gained belated popularity around the world, especially in the US where it was shown on Nickelodeon after the fall of the Communist regime.
This one is just funny humour
Brexit
I mean you gotta love a person with a sense of humour no?
With the UK finally exiting the European Union after a protracted withdrawal period, Kolodko has decided that we all need a bit of comforting with his latest piece, Brexit.
Mounted on the wall of the former British Embassy at Harmincad utca, this bear will be instantly recognizable to most as Mr. Bean’s beloved Teddy. In divisive times, it may help bring a little comfort to a fractured union.
Please note that I have not received these products for free or at a discounted price in exchange for my opinion. There may be links that are affiliate links but at the time of posting this review, I have not received any monetary kickbacks.