Archaeological Open Storage

The Archaeological Open Storage is part of the Herman Ottó Museum’s storage facility in Miskolc, offering visitors a glimpse into the world of archaeological artifacts. Located near the Diósgyőr Steelworks, this storage area houses countless historical objects, many of which are never displayed. Its purpose is to allow visitors to understand the process of handling and storing archaeological items. The exhibit is inspired by the work of four historical figures associated with the museum—Andor Leszih, Lajos Marjalaki Kiss, Ferenc Móra, and Zsigmond Móricz—who were all dedicated to archaeology. Although they never worked together at the museum, their friendship and shared passion greatly influenced local archaeological research. The exhibit begins with a short film introducing the visual storage and the connection between these four scholars. Within the storage, 2,700 archaeological finds—matching the number of archaeological sites in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County—are organized thematically. The items are grouped into four categories reflecting the work of the early archaeologists: Móra’s Granaries, Móricz’s Stove, Marjalaki’s Arrows, and Leszih’s Coins, each telling unique stories. The visual storage also offers educational programs where children can learn about the work of archaeologists, including cleaning, restoring, and cataloging artifacts. Its aim is to bring the behind-the-scenes museum work and the significance of archaeology closer to the public, helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of the lives of our ancestors. This space is designed to reveal the "invisible" work of museums, making the stories told by the artifacts more accessible to visitors, thus enriching their appreciation of the past and the value of archaeology.