Budapest’s Museum of Fine Arts is opening the doors to ancient China with a guided tour series built around The Guardians of Eternity, a sweeping exhibition centered on the famed Terracotta Army and the age of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Spanning more than a millennium of history, it pairs blockbuster archaeology with an intimate look at everyday life, beliefs, and ritual across over half a millennium of Chinese culture. Visitors will meet individually modeled terracotta soldiers, explore imperial weapons and statecraft, and step into the mystery of Qin and Han dynasty tombs. Tours run at 1146 Budapest, Dózsa György Road (Dózsa György út) 41. A museum copyright notice applies to all imagery.
Dates, Price, Capacity
Standard guided tours run January 22–25, then continue on multiple dates: January 27; January 30–February 1; February 3; February 5–8; February 10; February 12–15. The program fee is $4.10 per person, plus a valid exhibition ticket. Each tour lasts 60 minutes and is capped at 18 people. Arrive at least 20 minutes early at the Museum of Fine Arts to check in.
How It Works
All tours use audio guide systems. Collect receivers and headphones in the Marble Hall; headsets are disinfected after each use. Prefer your own earphones? Tell staff on arrival and they’ll connect you.
Curator-Led Highlights
For a deeper dive, curator-led sessions unpack one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological collections. Dr. Györgyi Fajcsák and co-curator Judit Bagi guide visitors through the first emperor’s era, the structure of his empire, weaponry, and the uniquely modeled terracotta ranks safeguarding his mausoleum. They also reveal the hidden logic of imperial burials from the Qin and Han dynasties.
Curator Dates in Budapest
January 21, 16:15–17:15 – Dr. Györgyi Fajcsák
January 28 – Judit Bagi
February 4 – Dr. Györgyi Fajcsák
February 18 – Dr. Györgyi Fajcsák
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 ticket for the curator-led program is $22.70, including exhibition entry and the tour fee. Discounted tickets cost $13.40 for visitors eligible for at least a 50% exhibition discount. Please arrive 20 minutes early. Headphones are issued in the Marble Hall and sanitized after each use; bring your own earphones if you prefer and notify staff.
Upcoming Budapest Sessions
January 27–28; January 30–February 1; February 3, 5–8; February 10; February 12–15; February 17–18; March 11, 18, 25; April 1.
