Treasure hunting for Mihály Kolodko ’s popular mini-statues in Budapest
Treasure hunting for Mihály Kolodko ’s popular mini-statues in Budapest
Find some of the more than 35 Kolodko mini-statues and discover Budapest as you go! No one should go home without having taken a photo of these super exciting and lovely mini-compositions like Kermit the frog or the tiny tank. But where are they?
If you love art, you are going to love thes
If you love art, you are going to love these guerrilla mini-statues. They are the hidden pearls of Budapest. They are not only fun to look for, but you can also discover Budapest as you go. You can’t go home without having taken a photo of one of them. But which one? They are all so exciting and meaningful!
Who is the artist?
Mihály Kolodko (Mihail Kolodko, Mykhailo Kolodko) or how we Hungarians call him Kolodko Mihály, was born in Ukraine, in 1978. He now lives in Vác (north of Budapest) with his family. He is a sculptor and his specialities are the popular and very much-liked mini guerrilla sculptures that are scattered all around Budapest.
What are these mini-statues and what is the purpose of them?
Mihály wanted to commemorate well-known cartoon characters, famous people and artists in a funny and playful way always adding a touch of twist to them. When we look at them, it is usually obvious what we see, but most mini-sculptures have their own story and we need to know a little about politics, history or old times in Hungary if we wish to reveal the real meaning of these mini-compositions, what they actually symbolize.
How the mini-statues are made?
They are small bronze statues. By the time the artist comes up with the idea about the subject of his next mini-sculpture, he also has the place of the statute on his mind. He cannot handle these two separately; he needs to be able to see the mini-statue in its surrounding. Statue and location; they belong together.
Making a mini-statue could take a couple of months or even years, the artist doesn’t like to be hurried, he creates according to his own rhythm.
Where are they?
There are 37 mini-sculptures in Budapest as of May 2025 and they are seriously worth a visit if you have the slightest interest in modern art. Let’s go for a treasure hunt!
Some mini-statues with instructions about their whereabouts:
- Dead squirrel: it is down the tree-lined Falk Miksa Street, it is outlined by chalk.
- Kermit the Frog: it is near the Parliament at Liberty Square.
- Főkukac (the happy little worm): it is on the banks of the Danube at Bem Quay 15.
- Tiny tank: can be found near the riverbank on Bem Quay.
- Ferenc Liszt (composer): it is at the Terminal 2A bus stop outside the airport.
- Mekk Elek (cartoon character): can be found at the foot of the stairs of Széll Kalman Square near the Castle.
- Libido (the balloon dog): he is placed between the iron fence posts near the Corso Restaurant.
- Tivadar Herzl (journalist, writer and political activist): he is placed near Dohány Street Synagogue in the 7th district.
- Rubik’s Cube (Hungarian invention): it is near Batthyány Square where you’ll find it opposite the Parliament.
- Diver: it lies at the intersection of Dohány Street and Osvát Street.
- Kockás fülű nyúl (cartoon character, a rabbit with long, checked ears): it lies near Sándor Palace, at the final stop of the Buda Castle funicular.
- Lisa Simpson (cartoon character): it is at Jászai Mari square, near the tram stop of tram-2
- The 14-carat car: it is at Hevesi Sándor Square, at the beginning of Rejtő Jenő street, in front of the Pesti Magyar Theatre.
- Noe’s Ark: can be found at Bethlen Gábor Square.
- Urinal: it is at the lake of Városliget.
- Süsü, the dragon (a puppet show character): it is located at Szabadság square, at the side of the old building of the Hungarian Television.
- Yoda (Star Wars character): at Szent Gellért tér metro station, near the escalator
- Franz Joseph (in hammock): on the Liberty Bridge, north side, near the first pylon when coming from Gellért Hill.
- Mr. Bean’s teddy bear: on the wall of the former British Embassy at Harmincad utca 6, between Erzsébet tér and Vörösmarty tér in downtown Budapest.
Feel free to use the public transport in Budapest to search for the statues.
Fun fact
The sculptor particularly enjoyed watching traditional Hungarian cartoons when he moved to Hungary with his family, because this was his main source of learning Hungarian language. One of his favourite cartoons was the „A nagy ho-ho-ho horgász” which translates as the „The Big Ho-Ho Angler” and the main character of the cartoon series is a happy worm, who is the bait of the Angler. This worm inspired his very first mini-statute here in Budapest, which has got its brother and exact copy in Uzhgorod (Ukraine) as well. It can be found near the Parliament.
Did you know?
Every monumental statue has got its small version before they are actually made. This gave the original idea to Mihály.
Kolodko also has mini statues outside Hungary, delighting viewers in several international cities. His works can be found in places like Uzhhorod (Ukraine), Mukachevo, Munich, Stockholm and in Seoul.
Tips & Tricks
If you want to be the first one, who discovers a new mini-statue in Budapest, you need to be on the watch out, because they can appear anywhere, anytime. Pictures of the latest mini statue or statues are usually shared on Instagram and Facebook, and Hungarians actually compete who finds them first.
While searching for the mini statues, you can also visit Erzsébet Square, where you’ll find the Michael Jackson Memorial Tree Budapest.
Take a piece of Hungarian culture with you when you go home. Make it a detective game and try to find all of them. Don’t forget to google on them to learn more about their meaning and what they symbolize. By searching for the mini statues, you can also discover a small piece of the history of Budapest.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kolodko-Art-948556461944435/
FAQ
What are the popular mini-statues by mihály kolodko found in Budapest?
The popular tiny bronze statues by Mihály Kolodko are small bronze sculptures that have gained significant attention for their whimsical and often humorous designs. These Kolodko mini statues can be found scattered throughout Budapest, making them a delightful part of the city’s street art scene. Some notable creations include the tiny tank, kermit the frog, and a rubik’s cube among others, each telling a unique story related to Hungarian culture or history.
Where can I find the Kolodko mini statues in Budapest?
The Kolodko statues are strategically placed in various locations across Budapest. Some popular spots include Liberty Square, the Chain Bridge, and near the Liberty Bridge. These locations not only provide a scenic backdrop for the mini-sculptures but also entice visitors to embark on a treasure hunt to discover each piece. A stroll around the city can unveil these hidden gems, turning your visit into an exciting adventure.
What inspired Mihály Kolodko to create these mini-statues?
Mihály Kolodko the “guerilla sculptor” draws inspiration from various sources including Hungarian history, pop culture, and personal experiences. His background as a sculptor who graduated from Lviv academy of arts in Ukraine influences his artistic style. Each Kolodko mini statue is designed to evoke nostalgia or provoke thought, often incorporating elements of humor and satire. This unique approach has helped him connect with both locals and tourists alike.
What materials are used in making the Kolodko mini statues?
The Kolodko mini sculptures are primarily made of bronze, which gives them durability and a classic aesthetic. The use of bronze statue techniques allows the artist to capture intricate details and textures, making each Kolodko mini statue a work of art. The choice of material also complements the urban environment, allowing the sculptures to blend seamlessly into the city’s landscape.
Which was Kolodko’s first miniature statue?
Kolodko’s first miniature statue was placed in the city of Uzhhorod, Ukraine, and it depicted the Hungarian composer Ferenc Liszt. It marked the beginning of his now well-known series of tiny public sculptures.
How can I be informed about a new mini statue?
New mini statues are usually announced by Kolodko himself on his Facebook page, or shared by fans in dedicated online communities and local news outlets. Some statues appear without notice, adding to the excitement of discovering them spontaneously.
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