The Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest is rolling out a full slate of guided tours across its permanent and temporary exhibitions throughout February 2026, with special events continuing into early March. From ancient China to Egyptian deities, from graphics workshops to slow-looking sessions, the calendar is dense, varied, and designed for every kind of museum-goer. Events run at 41 Dózsa György Road (Dózsa György út 41.) in the City Park district, and organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs, so calling ahead is encouraged. Tickets also grant access to the on-site café and self-service restaurant, which leans into modern Hungarian ingredients and techniques with quick, friendly service.
Ancient China, Up Close
“Az ókori Kína világa közelről” (The World of Ancient China Up Close) anchors the month with repeated dates: February 3, 5–8, 10, 12–15, 17, 19–22, 24, 26–28, and March 1. These tours promise an intimate look at artifacts, ideas, and aesthetics spanning dynasties and daily life. Expect deep dives into craftsmanship, belief systems, and the visual language that shaped East Asia for centuries. If you miss one, another is right around the corner.
Guardians of Eternity: Curator-Led
“Kurátori tárlatvezetés Az öröklét őrei kiállításon” (Curator’s Tour of Guardians of Eternity) brings insider context to a show focused on afterlife beliefs and protective imagery. Scheduled for February 4 and February 18, it’s a chance to hear research straight from the team handling the objects. There’s also a twist on February 11 with “Rendhagyó tárlatvezetés Az öröklét őrei kiállításban” (An Unconventional Tour of Guardians of Eternity), which plays with format—less lecture, more exploration.
Graphics Under the Magnifying Glass
“Grafikák nagyító alatt” (Graphics Under the Magnifying Glass) pops up on February 14, 21, and 28. These sessions get you up close—literally—to drawings and prints, reading paper fibers, plate marks, inks, and the maker’s hand. If you’re the type who loves process and the secrets hiding in line work, make this a priority.
Hands-On Printmaking History
On February 26, “Grafikai műhelytitkok – A fametszet története” (Graphic Workshop Secrets – The History of Woodcut) shifts from looking to learning. It’s part history lesson, part workshop, tracing woodcut’s journey from early devotional images to modern expression. Expect tools, techniques, and a renewed appreciation for relief printing’s bite and texture.
Masterpieces, Selected With Care
“A Masterful Selection of Masterpieces” appears on February 6, 13, 20, and 27. The title says it all: this is the museum’s greatest-hits tour, curated to link star works across centuries, schools, and styles. If you’re short on time or bringing a first-timer, this elegant overview delivers the punch lines and the quiet revelations.
Slow Looking and Fresh Perspectives
On February 13, “Hol időzne el szívesebben a lélek? – slow-vezetés” (Where Would the Soul Linger? – Slow Tour) invites you to slow down. Fewer works, deeper attention, shared reflections. Later that day, “Szerelem és szexualitás az ókorban” (Love and Sexuality in Antiquity) shifts gears to desire, myth, and social codes as reflected in ancient art—timely as Valentine’s weekend approaches.
Families, Stories, Carnival
February has room for kids and caregivers too. “Mama, nézd! – Családi album” (Mama, Look! – Family Album) on February 3 builds playful connections between family memory and art. “Szia, Szépmű! – Itt a farsang, áll a bál!” (Hi, Museum of Fine Arts [Szépművészeti Múzeum]! – Carnival Is Here, Let’s Party!) on February 19 brings seasonal merrymaking to the galleries. On February 14, “Szombati Szemezgető – Itt a farsang, áll a bál, keringőzik a kabát?” (Saturday Sampler – Carnival Is Here, Is the Coat Waltzing?) gives weekend visitors a themed sampler tour with a witty twist.
Egypt, From Scarabs to Starlight
Egyptology fans get concentrated love. On February 15, “Korszakok a múzeumban: Égen ragyogó egyiptomi istenek” (Eras in the Museum: Egyptian Gods Shining in the Sky) maps the pantheon in celestial terms. February 21 delivers “Szkarabeusz-akták: Az ókori Egyiptom rejtett arca” (Scarab Files: The Hidden Face of Ancient Egypt), promising detective work through amulets and symbolism. February 28 caps the thread with “Kemet – Az ókori Egyiptom titokzatos világa” (Kemet – The Mysterious World of Ancient Egypt), a broader sweep through life, death, and the Nile’s rhythm.
Art, Mind, and Metaphor
“Szellemi fitnesz – Torzítás és elegancia – avagy mit gyűjt a művész?” (Mental Fitness – Distortion and Elegance – What Does the Artist Collect?) on February 18 probes taste and curation through an artist’s eye. The same day, “Metafora” (Metaphor) opens a space to unpack layered meanings across periods—how images say one thing but mean another, and why that matters.
Strolls, Siestas, and Love Stories
February 14 brings “Szieszta – séta és alkotás a múzeumban | Szerelmi történetek” (Siesta – Walk and Create in the Museum | Love Stories), blending a gentle gallery walk with a creative component. Think artworks as prompts for making—small, manageable, and rooted in feeling rather than perfectionism.
Practicalities: Where to Stay and Refuel
For those traveling in, nearby accommodations span budget to boutique. Options cluster around the Ferenc Puskás Stadium (Puskás Ferenc Stadion) and László Papp Budapest Sports Arena (Papp László Sportaréna) area: Hotel Arena with a fitness room, pool, and sauna; Green Hotel Budapest with nature-inspired rooms and an event-ready private room just 328 feet from the M2 metro; Hotel Amadeus in leafy Zugló with a panoramic restaurant and beer hall; and family-run spots with Finnish saunas, 8-person hot tubs, and straightforward rooms with TV and free Wi‑Fi. Lion’s Garden Hotel in the diplomatic quarter offers four-star comfort opposite a 100-year-old Dominican church, while Hotel Zugló’s wellness area includes Finnish and infrared saunas, a pool, and a hot tub. Dining nearby ranges from hearty portions to vegetarian and children’s menus; one house restaurant seats 50 and serves Hungarian, Italian, and Chinese specialties by request.
How to Plan
Dates span February 3 to March 1 for the core series, with select listings stretching into April, June, August, and October, plus year-round programming from January to December 2026. Add favorites to your list, request notifications, and call for details and reservations. Programs sell out fast, but with repeats and variety, there’s always another angle on art waiting the next day.
