Press release, 03.02.2026.

On the trail of statistics

MTA 200 chamber exhibition and special programs in the Library of the HCSO

Where did statistics in Hungary start and how does it shape our view on the future today? On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) a special program series is going to be launched jointly by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (HCSO) and the Scientific Committee on Statistics and Futures Studies of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

A jubilee chamber exhibition located in the Library of the HCSO features the academic origins, milestones and living scientific links of statistics. Visitors are offered an insight into the history of censuses, they may learn about the creation of cohorts, time use surveys, the long time series of GDP as well as the world of statistics on agriculture, education of statistics and futures research. Documents of historical significance and rare publications make the exhibition very special.

The professional relationship between the HCSO and the Academy goes back more than one and a half century: the MTA created the Statistics Committee in 1860, and based on the Committee’s recommendation and support the Statistical Office was established. This cooperation is decisive ever since in regard of the development of Hungary’s statistics – the exhibition commemorates this joint history.

The HCSO is going to host, based on prior registration, a building tour and interactive program on 9 February 2026 connected to this chamber exhibition. On individual agreement the program is available at other times, too, for university and high school student groups.

Further information on the programs are available at https://www.ksh.hu/mta_sjtb_mta_200.

Hungarian Central Statistical Office
H-1024 Budapest, Keleti Károly utca 5–7. Phone number: (+36-1) 345-6000
Postal address: H-1525 Budapest, P.O.Box 51
www.ksh.hu