The exhibition presents a remarkable collection never before seen in Hungary, recently discovered by researchers. The focal point of the exhibition is a series of photographs showcasing traditional Hungarian folk attire from various regions and settlements, originally displayed at the 1862 International Exhibition in London. Thought to have been lost, the photographs by János Tiedge have been loaned from the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

Thanks to her growing sense of nationhood and her developing middle class, during the course of the nineteenth century Hungary saw the creation of several museums. First among these new institutions was the National Museum. A museum dedicated solely to the history of Budapest came into existence only toward the end of the last century. Its core collection consisted of finds from the building sites, from archaeological excavations, and earlier collections which help shed light on of Budapest's history.