Budapest’s Museum of Fine Arts throws open the doors to ancient China with The Guardians of Eternity, a blockbuster exhibition that pulls visitors straight into the age of the First Emperor. From February 27 to March 1, 2026, and on multiple spring dates, guided tours in the galleries bring to life the most thrilling chapters of Chinese culture and history, capped by the enduring mystery of the Terracotta Army that guarded a ruler’s tomb for millennia. The venue: 1146 Budapest, District 14 – Zugló, Dózsa György Road (Dózsa György út) 41. Note: photography featured by the Museum of Fine Arts – Hungarian National Gallery is under copyright protection.
Ancient China, up close
Spanning thousands of years, China’s past reaches a defining high point under Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor, the organizing force behind this show. The 20th century’s most influential archaeological discovery unearthed thousands of clay soldiers standing eternal watch over his imperial mausoleum. Wander the galleries and the story grows: beyond one emperor’s legacy, the objects reveal more than five centuries of beliefs, rituals, craft, and daily life. It’s a chance to get closer to ancient China’s enigmatic world than ever before.
How tours work
Standard guided tours cost $4.18 per person plus a valid exhibition ticket, run 60 minutes, and are capped at 18 people. Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Tours use tour-guide devices; pick up your receiver and headphones in the Marble Hall, where all headsets are disinfected after use. Prefer your own earphones? Tell staff on arrival.
Standard tour dates
Book across a generous calendar: Feb 27–Mar 1; Mar 3; Mar 5–8; Mar 10; Mar 12–15; Mar 17; Mar 19–22; Mar 24; Mar 26–29; Mar 31, all in Budapest. Additional dates continue into April and May for special formats below.
Unconventional tours with guest experts
Guest speakers and the exhibition team offer fresh angles and personal stories while unpacking the Terracotta Army’s secrets.
– Mar 4, 2026: Ancient China, in the present tense — tour by intercultural advisor Gábor Holch.
– Apr 15, 2026: Behind the scenes of building the exhibition — tour by exhibition organizers Zsuzsa Hudák and Bence Hidas.
– Apr 29, 2026: Birth of an empire — how was China formed? — tour by China scholar Gergely Salát, head of the Chinese Department, Pázmány Péter Catholic University (PPKE) Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (BTK).
– May 13, 2026: How to excavate an imperial tomb? Methods of Chinese archaeology through The Guardians of Eternity — tour by archaeologist Dr. Krisztina Hoppál, head of Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE)’s Roman World and Far East Research Group.
Ticket info: full price $23.10 including admission and tour; discount $13.65 for visitors eligible for at least 50% exhibition discounts. Arrive 20 minutes before start time.
Curators take you inside
Curator Dr. Györgyi Fajcsák and co-curator Judit Bagi guide visitors through one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological ensembles. Expect close-ups of daily life under the First Emperor, the structure of his realm, weaponry, and the uniquely modeled ranks of the Terracotta Army. They also open up the imperial burials of the Qin and Han dynasties and the techniques and beliefs behind them.
Dates: Mar 11 (Dr. Györgyi Fajcsák), Mar 18 (Judit Bagi), Mar 25 (Dr. Györgyi Fajcsák), Apr 1 (Judit Bagi).
Tickets: full price $23.10 including exhibition and tour; discount $13.65 for those eligible for at least 50% off exhibition entry. Arrive 20 minutes early. Tours use tour-guide devices; collect disinfected headsets in the Marble Hall or notify staff if using your own earphones.
City-by-city? Just Budapest
All dates take place in Budapest: Feb 27–Mar 1; Mar 3–4; Mar 5–8; Mar 10–11; Mar 12–15; Mar 17–18; Mar 19–22; Mar 24–25; Mar 26–29; Mar 31; Apr 1; Apr 15; Apr 29; May 13.
