Budapest’s Szépművészeti Múzeum (Museum of Fine Arts) is packing 2026 with guided tours across its permanent and temporary collections, from ancient civilizations to deep dives into graphic arts. The museum, at 1146 Budapest, Dózsa György út 41, keeps phones handy for booking and info, and notes that dates and programs may change. There’s also an in-house café and self-service restaurant you can visit with a valid entry ticket—think forward-leaning gastronomy, quality Hungarian ingredients, modern techniques, crisp service, and more than one smile to go with it.
What’s On in February
The headline attraction is Az ókori Kína világa közelről (The World of Ancient China Up Close), appearing throughout the month. It runs on February 3; returns on the 5th–8th; then the 10th; 12th–15th; 17th; 19th–22nd; 24th; 26th–March 1; and again on the 28th. Expect repeated chances to catch it if you miss a slot.
Curators step forward for Kurátori tárlatvezetés Az öröklét őrei kiállításon (Curator’s Tour at Guardians of Eternity) on February 4 and again on the 18th, with an alternate spin—Rendhagyó tárlatvezetés Az öröklét őrei kiállításban (Unconventional Tour at Guardians of Eternity)—on February 11. These are for deep divers who want context, backstage stories, and a sharper look at the show’s spine.
Graphic art fans get their fix with Grafikák nagyító alatt (Graphics Under the Magnifying Glass) on February 14, 21, and 28. There’s also Grafikai műhelytitkok – A fametszet története (Graphic Workshop Secrets – The History of Woodcut) on February 26, which zeroes in on techniques, tradition, and the tactile journey of printmaking.
The program stretches beyond single themes. On February 6, 13, 20, and 27, A Masterful Selection of Masterpieces highlights standout works—an English-titled tour for international visitors keen on a curated “best of” sweep. Family life gets a nod with Mama, nézd! – Családi album (Mom, Look! – Family Album) on February 3, and there’s a Valentine’s weekend tilt across multiple events.
Valentine’s Weekend Vibes
February 14 is full of options. Szieszta – séta és alkotás a múzeumban | Szerelmi történetek (Siesta – Walk and Create in the Museum | Love Stories) blends a gentle stroll with hands-on creativity. Szombati Szemezgető – Itt a farsang, áll a bál, keringőzik a “kabát”? (Saturday Sampling – Carnival’s Here, Is the Ball On, Is the “Coat” Waltzing?) leans playful and seasonal. Ancient China returns that day, and Grafikák nagyító alatt keeps the art-nerd energy going.
On February 13, themes pivot to mood and myth: Hol időzne el szívesebben a lélek? – slow-vezetés (Where Would the Soul Prefer to Linger? – Slow Tour) invites a decelerated look; Szerelem és szexualitás az ókorban (Love and Sexuality in Antiquity) pulls back the curtain on desire and ritual in ancient times; Metafora (Metaphor) and another Masterful Selection round out a busy Friday lineup. Az ókori Kína világa közelről returns the same day if you’re aiming for a double feature.
Egyptians, Scarabs, and Sky Gods
Ancient Egypt arrives with character. On February 15, Korszakok a múzeumban: Égen ragyogó egyiptomi istenek (Eras in the Museum: Egyptian Gods Shining in the Sky) looks upward to the divine. February 21 brings Szkarabeusz-akták: Az ókori Egyiptom rejtett arca (Scarab Files: The Hidden Face of Ancient Egypt), promising secrets and overlooked details. Round out the month with Kemet – Az ókori Egyiptom titokzatos világa (Kemet – The Mysterious World of Ancient Egypt) on February 28 for a broader sweep through the Nile’s long shadow.
Mind, Body, and Carnival
The schedule makes room for balance and play. Szellemi fitnesz – Torzítás és elegancia – avagy mit gyűjt a művész? (Mental Fitness – Distortion and Elegance – or What Does the Artist Collect?) arrives February 18, probing taste, bias, and the craft of collecting. For kids and the young at heart, Szia, Szépmű! – Itt a farsang, áll a bál! (Hi, Museum of Fine Arts! – Carnival’s Here, The Ball Is On!) on February 19 throws open the doors to carnival-season fun.
Dates Beyond February
Ancient China keeps pace into March with a slot on March 1. Later months hint at additional programming: April 18, June 20, August 22, October 24. A year-round bracket runs January 1–December 31, suggesting ongoing offerings and seasonal refreshes. Keep an eye on updates, because the organizers reserve the right to tweak times and content.
Eat, Stay, Wander
Inside the museum, the café and self-service restaurant serve modern Hungarian-forward menus—quality local sourcing, contemporary techniques, and streamlined service. You’ll need an entry ticket to get in, but it’s a welcome reset between tours.
If you’re traveling in, the neighborhood and the broader Zugló district offer a dense cluster of stays, from business-ready to family-friendly. Nearby options include large hotels next to Puskás Ferenc Stadion (Ferenc Puskás Stadium) and Papp László Sportaréna (László Papp Budapest Sports Arena), with freshly refurbished rooms, air conditioning, fitness centers, pools, and saunas. Some properties add panoramic restaurants, beer gardens, conference rooms, and wellness areas with Finnish and infrared saunas, swimming pools, and hot tubs. Expect easy access to downtown via the M2 metro about 328 feet away, plus straightforward links to the M3 motorway. Smaller guesthouses promise quiet rooms, free Wi‑Fi, cable TV, private bathrooms, and free parking, with on-site eateries offering Hungarian, Italian, and Chinese specialties on request. Whether you want a leafy side-street base or a sleek four-star with a shaded summer garden, you’ll find it within a short radius of Heroes’ Square and City Park.
Bookings typically run through phone or online contacts. If you want a seat at the museum restaurant or to lock in a guided tour—especially around Valentine’s weekend and peak dates—reserve early and plan for a little flexibility.
