The programme, started in 2005, has so far provided support for 17,000 disadvantaged 12- and 13-year-old schoolchildren, including 7,000 during the 2006-2007 school year, Minister of Education and Culture István Hiller said.
The visit on Monday cost HUF 7 million, deputy state secretary in charge of finance at the ministry Ferenc Zavecz said.
More museum visits for underprivileged children are planned for the springtime and the summer, Hiller said.
Museum director László Baán said Van Gogh in Budapest could be extended for another one or two weeks beyond its originally planned closing date of March 20. The museum has already asked the owners of the paintings if they would agree to extend the exhibition, and about half have responded positively, he said. The paintings are on loan from 40 collections.
Additional costs incurred because of the extension would be covered by extra ticket sales, Baán said. The exhibition has cost HUF 500m, including insurance, he added.
Baán said the museum would know whether it is able to extend the exhibition by the end of February.
"Chances are good that the museum can close the exhibition with a small profit," Baán said. Ticket sales are expected to reach HUF 400 million, and sponsors have provided an additional HUF 100 million.
