Step inside the world of China’s First Emperor as Budapest’s Museum of Fine Arts opens The Guardians of Eternity, a sweeping exhibition anchored by the legendary Terracotta Army. Spanning more than half a millennium of ancient Chinese history, the show moves beyond the Qin imperial tombs to trace rituals, beliefs, craftsmanship, and daily life through objects and stories that still capture the imagination.
Exhibition Tours and Dates
Guided tours run February 5–8, with additional dates on February 10; February 12–15; February 17; February 19–22; February 24; and February 26–March 1, 2026, all in Budapest. Each tour lasts 60 minutes and is capped at 18 people for an up-close experience. Arrive at least 20 minutes early at the Museum of Fine Arts (1146 Budapest, Dózsa György Road [Dózsa György út] 41) to pick up your tour-guide device and headphones in the Marble Hall. Headsets are sanitized after every use; if you prefer your own earphones, just let the team know.
What You’ll See
The galleries spotlight one of the 20th century’s most astonishing archaeological finds: the life-size terracotta soldiers guarding the First Emperor’s tomb. Expect a deep dive into the architecture of the Qin Empire, weapons technology, individualized terracotta figures, and the evolving customs that bridged the Qin and Han dynasties. Through artifacts and expert narration, the exhibition brings court organization, religious traditions, and everyday realities into sharp focus.
Tickets and Pricing
The standard program fee for regular guided tours is about $4.10 per person, plus a valid exhibition ticket. For curator-led tours, one combined ticket includes both entry and the tour: about $22.70 for full price and about $13.40 for discounted visitors eligible for at least 50% off standard exhibition admission.
Curator-Led Highlights
Don’t miss the special curator tours of The Guardians of Eternity, where two leading experts unpack the era’s big questions and hidden details. On February 18 (4:15–5:15 p.m.), Dr. Györgyi Fajcsák leads the walk-through; further dates include March 11 (Dr. Györgyi Fajcsák), March 18 (Judit Bagi), March 25 (Dr. Györgyi Fajcsák), and April 1 (Judit Bagi), all in Budapest. These sessions explore the secrets of the Qin and Han imperial tombs, from funerary planning to the artisanship behind the famously individualized warriors.
Practicalities
Tours use tour-guide audio devices for clear, comfortable listening in the galleries. Collect your receiver and headphones in the Marble Hall; sanitized equipment is provided after each use. Prefer your own earphones? Bring them and inform the staff on arrival. Plan to arrive 20 minutes early to ensure a smooth start.
