In the museum, named Szabo Marzipan, you can see dozens of Budapest’s landmarks made completely from the almondy confection. There’s a model of the Chain Bridge, a life-size statue of Princess Sissi, a miniature Fisherman’s Bastion, and a replica of the Parliament Building that took four months to complete. A giant marzipan wedding cake contains 1400 eggs, 84 liters of cream, and over 100 kg of sugar. Standing over 6 feet tall, it gives new meaning to the term “sugar high.” All the marzipan sculptures stand behind glass so you’re not tempted to nibble. Scattered around the museum, you’ll find clocks, pillows, gramophones, houseplants, and paintings all made of marzipan. But don’t worry. You can sit down. The chairs are real.



The museum is small and pretty cheesy, but so cheesy that it’s worth a visit. Kids will enjoy the marzipan animals. My favorite was the marzipan map of Europe. It’s also a good place to pick up a gift. Tickets to the museum are only 400 forint, and on your way in they give you a little marzipan treat. It’s not quite as good as my grandma’s – but close.

Post by Phillip Done

After fifteen years of turning jump ropes, singing times tables, and wearing his bathrobe on Pajama Day in California public schools, Phillip Done decided to follow his dream and relocate to Europe. With two suitcases, one guidebook, and zero knowledge of Hungarian, he moved to Budapest in 2000 where he has lived, taught, and torn open care packages from home for most of the last decade. An award winning teacher and international educational consultant, Phillip is the celebrated author of 32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny and Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind. To learn more about Phil, his writing, and his adventures in Budapest, visit him at anamericaninbudapest.com.