This article outlines the changes, developments, activities, and challenges faced by Hungarian museums over the last few decades. It shows that there was life behind the "Iron Curtain," with museums enjoying relative financial stability. While the political and economic changes associated with the transition from a communist to a democratically elected government and capitalist economy did bring more international connections, collaborations, and freedom in choosing exhibition topics, the changes also brought exposure to the harsh rules of the cultural market. This article reflects on these issues and presents some of the most recent museum approaches in terms of programming, education, and audience development. (Contains 16 notes.)