If you spend enough time walking the streets of Budapest, you’ll eventually notice people staring intensely at a random stone bollard or leaning over a bridge railing with a camera. Usually, they aren’t looking at the architecture—they are looking for a Kolodko.
As a local, I’ve seen these mini-sculptures become a core part of the city’s identity. They aren’t just “cute” statues; they are silent, often satirical commentaries on Hungarian history, pop culture, and our shared heritage.
The Man Behind the Bronze: Mihály Kolodko
Mihály Kolodko is a Ukrainian-Hungarian sculptor from Uzhhorod (Ungvár). He started his career with traditional, large-scale monuments, but he eventually found his true calling in “guerrilla” art. By placing these tiny bronze figures in public spaces unannounced, he turned the city into a giant, free scavenger hunt.
What I love most is the “Kolodko Scale.” By making the statues small, he forces us to stop, slow down, and actually look at the details of our surroundings.
The Kolodko Map: Every Statue in Budapest (as of March 2026)
To help you on your treasure hunt, I’ve compiled the most up-to-date list of the miniatures scattered across the capital.
Kolodko statues on the Buda side:
- The Főkukac (The Great Worm): My personal favorite and the first one ever placed. He’s the legendary bait from a 1980s Hungarian cartoon.
- Location: Bem rakpart, across from Parliament.
- The Rubik’s Cube: A tribute to the world’s most famous Hungarian invention.
- Location: Bem rakpart, near Batthyány tér.
- The Muppet Show’s Statler and Waldorf: The two grumpy old men overlooking the crowds.
- Location: Near the entrance of the Buda Castle Tunnel (Clark Ádám tér).
- The Checker-Eared Rabbit (A kockásfülű nyúl): Another iconic Hungarian cartoon character watching the city through binoculars.
- Location: At the top of the Buda Castle Hill Funicular (Sándor Palace side).
- Gül Baba: A tiny version of the “Father of Roses” near his actual tomb.
- Location: At the bottom of Gül Baba Street.
- Worm on a Skateboard: A playful nod to the skater culture often seen in the area.
- Location: Batthyány tér.
- In Vino Veritas: A tiny Roman figure enjoying a glass of wine.
- Location: Near the Aquincum Museum area (Szentendrei út).
- Aranka & Béla: A memorial to a beloved flower-selling couple who worked at the market for decades.
- Location: Pasaréti tér.
- The Sad Tank: A T-34 tank with its barrel drooping, commemorating the 1956 Revolution.
- Location: Bem rakpart, near the Batthyány tér metro.
Kolodko statues on the Pest side:
- The Diver with the Key: Legend says he stole the key to the New York Café so it would never close.
- Location: Corner of Dohány utca and Osvát utca.
- Theodore Herzl: The father of modern Zionism, standing near the site where he was born.
- Location: Near the Dohány Street Synagogue.
- Seress Rezső: The composer of the world-famous “Gloomy Sunday” (The Hungarian Suicide Song).
- Location: Outside Kispipa Restaurant (Akácfa utca).
- Mr. Bean’s Teddy Bear: Just a whimsical piece of pop culture.
- Location: Former British Embassy building, Harmincad utca.
- The 14-Carat Car: A tribute to Jenő Rejtő’s famous adventure novel.
- Location: In front of the Pesti Színház (Váci utca).
- Lisa Simpson: Tied to a pole, she represents the “struggle” of modern culture.
- Location: Jászai Mari tér.
- The Moon Buggy: Commemorating Ferenc Pavlics, the Hungarian engineer who designed the NASA Lunar Rover.
- Location: Hold utca (Moon Street).
- The Skateboarder:
- Location: Deák Ferenc tér.
- The Axe: A “guerrilla” response to a previous statue (a hat) that was destroyed by a politician.
- Location: Liberty Square (Szabadság tér)
- Franz Joseph I in a Hammock: The former Emperor taking a break on the Liberty Bridge.
- Location: On the green railing of the Liberty Bridge (Pest side).
- Uszkár (Poodle): A small dog sitting on a “no dogs allowed” sign.
- Location: Near the entrance of the Zoo.
- Dreher the Brewer: Sitting on a barrel of his famous beer.
- Location: Dreher Beer Museum/Kőbánya area.
- A “Lecsó” (Ratatouille): Remy the rat, painting a graffiti “Lecsó” (Hungarian ratatouille).
- Location: Near Erzsébet Bridge.
- Karsai Dániel (The Glove): One of the more recent and touching tributes to the constitutional lawyer and Euthanasia advocate.
- Location: Near the Parliament building.
Local Insider Tips for your “Kolodko Tour”
- Look for the “Scarves”: In the winter, locals often knit tiny hats and scarves for the statues. It’s a heartwarming sight and makes them easier to spot!
- The “Hidden” Factor: Some are easier to find than others. The Diver and the Rubik’s Cube are quite obvious, but the Moon Buggy or Franz Joseph on the bridge require a sharp eye.
- Respect the Art: These are made of bronze, but they are fragile in their own way. Please don’t try to pry them off (yes, it has happened).
- Use the Map: If you are a completionist, the Facebook group “Kolodko szobrok kedvelői” is the best place to find the absolute latest “guerilla” drops, as Mihály usually posts a cryptic photo whenever a new one appears.
Finding a Kolodko always feels like a secret handshake with the city. It’s a reminder that even in a place with a history as heavy as Budapest’s, there is always room for a bit of playfulness.
Which one is your favorite? Or did you find a new one I haven’t listed yet? Drop a comment below!
