The first archaeological excavation started in 1871 under Imre Henszlmann’s management on the territory of the castle. The finds were delivered to the Hungarian National Museum. Kálmán Lux speeded up the archaeological works in 1916. Architect Jánod Schulek took over the management in 1927, he continued the exploration and the renovation works and was supported in his activity by the Visegrád Castle Committee founded that year. The royal castle was found in 1934. In 1944, the war caused serious damages in the collection. Excavation was restarted in 1948 under the management of Dezső Dercsényi and Miklós Héjj. The Visegrád Castle Committee was dissolved in 1949. Its tasks were taken over by a new entity: Visegrád Museum of the National Centre for Museums and Monuments. The quickly growing collection became a museum in 1953 and got its name after King Matthias. It became an official affiliate of the Hungarian National Museum in 1963.

The museum’s main task is to explore, collect, treat, and present the archaeological and historical memories of Visegrád. The exhibitions can be found in the Salomon tower and in the renovated halls of the royal palace. The most important collections are the archaeological collection and the Lapidarium, but the regional history collection presenting 18th and 19th century is also famous. Besides, there is a significant collection of photos, drawings and textile.