There is a museum dedicated to The Beatles in Eger

The only Beatles collection in Central and Eastern Europe has been open to the public since 15 May 2015 at the Hotel Korona Eger and has become one of the city's most popular attractions in recent years. Similar museums are only found in Liverpool, Halle, Alkmaar and Buenos Aires. We talked to Gábor Peterdi, one of the founders of the Egri Road Beatles Museum in Eger.

What was the motivation behind establishing the museum?

I might say that emotions brought this exhibition to life. My friend, Gábor Molnár and I are passionate Beatles fans. We have been collecting Beatles-related audio recordings and relics for decades, which finally found a worthy place at the exhibition space in the heart of Eger's historic city centre, at Csiky Sándor 30, in the wing and basement of the Hotel Korona Eger. Gábor is also the author of the book Immortal Beatles and has had access to hundreds of records, DVDs and other Beatles memorabilia from the late 1960s to the present day. I have been collecting audio and video material since 1978 and I have acquired many valuable relics, a library full of literature and period publications.

What are the major attractions of the exhibition? What should visitors be prepared for?

This exhibition is much more than just a collection of objects. We introduce the visitor to the world of the band with a modern technical approach. Visitors will first find themselves in the basement room, where they can watch a short film introduction, followed by a chronological presentation of The Beatles' story using multimedia walls. Film clips, news reports, interviews and concert recordings can be viewed at the touch of a button or listened to through headphones. The display cases feature period press, clothing, mock-ups, limited editions and other band-related rarities, as well as puppets, posters, flags, wall art and exact replicas of the band's instruments. Visitors can take a glimpse inside the Yellow Submarine, play games and take photos of the legendary sixties. Naturally, guided tours are also available. Visitors are typically enthusiastic about what they have seen after viewing the exhibition. I think that anyone who visits Eger should not leave the city without seeing this miracle. 

Only Beatles fans visit the museum?

Not at all. Anyone interested in music, art, or someone who is just looking for an hour and a half or two hours of fun should come. Big Generation groups come, but it's also frequently visited on school trips, and there are plenty of foreigners. We have had guests from around 110 different countries. We have repeat visitors who are truly obsessed as well as a high number of young teenage visitors. 

Have you had any illustrious national or foreign visitors?

Quite a few. We have hosted János Bródy, Róbert Szikora, László B. Tóth, Kozsó, Szandi, Petruska, Zoltán Czutor, KFT, Neoton, Moby Dick, P. Mobil and many other Hungarian bands. Sándor Sasvári, György Dörner, Gergő Papp, Miklós Vámos, Attila Árpa and many others paid their respects. Some of the visitors who are closely connected to the Beatles' story include the members of John Lennon's first school band and Helen Anderson, who made Lennon's famous leather hats.

If all this were not inviting enough, do you also organise thematic events or other activities?

There are events based on the exhibition and on average, we organise three or four events a year. These are all tied to the museum and the Beatles' birthdays, the day they died or a new publication. 

As a Beatles fan, and as someone who knows the lives of the band members in great detail, what motto would you use to end this conversation?

We wanted to create something lasting with a museum that commemorates the Beatles, a momentous band with a unique musical career. I think we have managed to do just that, which is supported by the feedback from visitors.