Having first heard about a museum for the blind in the UK over 20 years ago, I was intrigued by the Invisible Exhibition (Lathatatlan Kiallitas) that has been touring Hungary for some time and is now hosted in Building B at the Millenaris Park. We first met Misi, who showed us how to write braille on a peg board and then on a typewriter-type machine that looked a lot like a mbira. Braille letters are constructed by combinations of pegs or dots from among 6 placement options. The talking computer and web browser was very complete and a much quicker option. Also on exhibit were braille playing cards, chess, and various other games. Misi was a very funny and good-natured guide. He thought my accent was a lot like actor Hajdu Steve's, and joked that there were 3 friendly, and not at all hungry seeing-eye pit-bulls waiting to greet us in the next room. We stored our coat and glasses in thoughtfully provided lockers and Misi then passed us off to Istvan in a pitch black hall. Istvan was an excellent, considerate, patient and entertaining guide. He took us through a kitchen, living room, bathroom, pub, ball room, hunter's cabin, forest, vegetable stand, newsagent, museum and a busy street crossing, of course all blind. I think one of the most important aspects of the tour was Istvan asking us in different situations what the proper way would be to help a blind person, such as at a bus stop or crossing the road. Without a guide, I am sure the experience would have been different, perhaps with a notes of terror and disorientation. With approximately 1 billion disabled or handicapped people in the world (the world's largest minority), it gave an excellent introduction to what life is like for them in terms of accessibility. Maybe this will also open up discussions about social acceptance, inclusion and equal participation.

Tickets are 1450 huf (1200 students) for the 1.5 hour experience, but there is a happy hour on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 3-5 when tickets are 990 huf. Guides are also available in English as well as other languages, but I think you probably have to email them ahead about that. They also offer blind wine tasting, massage, palinka tasting and dinner experiences.