Hunting Budapest's Mini Statues? Don't Miss Kolodko's Newest Creation

If you're exploring Budapest's famous Kolodko mini statues, add one more stop to your list. The newest sculpture combines humor, history, and a perfectly chosen location.

A brand-new bronze mini statue by Mihály Kolodko has quietly appeared in downtown Budapest, giving locals and visitors another reason to look down while exploring the city. The latest sculpture can be found on the corner of Hold Street and Szabadság Square, just steps away from the headquarters of Hungary's central bank.

Like many of Kolodko's works, the statue is small in size but rich in symbolism. It depicts a figure using a leaf blower to scatter paper money on the street. At first glance, the scene is humorous, but the location reveals its deeper meaning. Standing beside the Hungarian National Bank, the sculpture serves as a reminder of the worst hyperinflation in history.

After the Second World War, Hungary experienced what is still considered the most extreme case of hyperinflation ever recorded. The country's economy had been devastated by the war, infrastructure lay in ruins, and the government financed its growing expenses by printing enormous quantities of money. As more banknotes entered circulation, prices spiraled out of control.

Look for the statue on the corner of Szabadság Square and Hold street, just under the tree on the left

By the summer of 1946, the Hungarian pengő had become virtually worthless. Prices doubled within hours, and people often rushed to spend their wages immediately before they lost even more value. Everyday transactions required bundles of cash, while increasingly absurd banknotes were printed with denominations reaching trillions and even quadrillions. At the peak of the crisis, inflation was so rapid that money was often worth less than the paper it was printed on.

Photo credit: István Mizerák 

Stories from the period describe streets littered with unwanted banknotes, with piles of cash swept away like ordinary rubbish because they had become practically useless. This year marks 80 years since the introduction of the Hungarian forint, still in use today.

The sculpture is also another addition to Budapest's growing collection of the artist's mini statues. Over the past several years, the artist has hidden dozens of his tiny bronze creations throughout the Hungarian capital. Inspired by history, pop culture, famous personalities, and local traditions, each statue tells a different story while rewarding curious visitors who take the time to search for them.

For many tourists, finding Kolodko's sculptures has become an attraction in itself. Walking through Budapest with a map—or simply stumbling upon one by chance—offers a different way to experience the city. The miniature artworks can be found on bridges, riverbanks, street corners, railings, and monuments, often in places that most people would otherwise walk past without noticing.

Oh, and don't forget to check out the artist's social media pages: facebook, and instagram.