The world of ancient China arrives in Budapest with a sweeping exhibition centered on the First Emperor’s era and the famed Terracotta Army. Spanning more than a millennium, the show explores objects, beliefs, and daily life across centuries, while spotlighting the discovery of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers guarding the emperor’s tomb. Join a guided tour and get close to one of archaeology’s most astonishing finds—and the mysteries of Qin and Han imperial burials.
The venue is the Museum of Fine Arts – Hungarian National Gallery (Szépművészeti Múzeum – Magyar Nemzeti Galéria), 1146 Budapest, District 14 – Zugló, 41 Dózsa György Road (Dózsa György út 41). Note: the photo is under the museum’s copyright protection.
Guided Tours: Dates, Prices, How It Works
Tours for The Guardians of Eternity run February 12–15, with more dates following: February 17; February 19–22; February 24; February 26–March 1; March 3; March 5–8; March 10; March 12–15; March 17. Each tour lasts 60 minutes, is limited to 18 people, and uses tour-guide devices. Pick up the receiver and headphones in the Marble Hall; all headsets are disinfected after each use. Prefer your own earbuds? Let the staff know.
Arrive at least 20 minutes before your time slot. The program fee is about $4.10 per person, plus a valid exhibition ticket.
What You’ll See
Expect a close look at the First Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s legacy: the structure of his empire, weaponry, and the Terracotta Army’s individually modeled warriors. Through material culture, the exhibition opens a window onto the customs, religious traditions, and everyday routines of ancient China across centuries.
Curators’ Tours: A Deeper Dive
For a richer, expert-led experience, choose the Curatorial Guided Tours in The Guardians of Eternity. Dr. Györgyi Fajcsák, the exhibition’s curator, and Judit Bagi, co-curator, reveal the secrets of Qin and Han imperial tombs and unpack one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological assemblages.
Dates and guides:
– February 18: Dr. Györgyi Fajcsák, 16:15–17:15
– March 11: Dr. Györgyi Fajcsák
– March 18: Judit Bagi
– March 25: Dr. Györgyi Fajcsák
– April 1: Judit Bagi
Tickets and Practical Info
The full-price curator-led tour ticket is about $22.80, including exhibition entry and the tour. Discount ticket: about $13.50 for visitors entitled to at least 50% off standard exhibition admission. Arrive 20 minutes early; headsets are collected in the Marble Hall and disinfected after use. You can use your own earphones—just let the team know.
All listed dates are in Budapest.
