Step into a millennium of history at the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest, where The Guardians of Eternity centers on the world-famous Terracotta Army and the era of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Wander the galleries to encounter not only the emperor’s legacy but also the material culture, rituals, beliefs, and everyday life spanning more than half a millennium of ancient China.
When and where
Location: 1146 Budapest, District 14 – Zugló, Dózsa György Street (Dózsa György út) 41. The exhibition runs February 12–15, 2026, with guided tours on multiple additional dates. Regular guided tours: February 17; February 19–22; February 24; February 26–March 1; March 3; March 5–8; March 10; March 12–15; March 17. Curator-led tours also run on select dates (see below). Allow at least 20 minutes before the start time to arrive at the museum.
What to expect
The show highlights one of the 20th century’s most significant archaeological discoveries: thousands of individually modeled clay soldiers guarding the emperor’s tomb. Through objects and interpretation, visitors get a close look at imperial administration, warfare, craftsmanship, beliefs, and burial customs bridging the Qin and Han dynasties. The tour brings into focus the empire’s structure, weapons, and the striking individuality of the terracotta warriors.
Regular guided tours
Duration: 60 minutes. Group size: maximum 18 people. Price: $4.10 per person (program fee) plus a valid exhibition ticket. Tours use tour guide devices; receivers and headphones are collected in the Marble Hall. Headphones are disinfected after each use. If you prefer your own earphones, tell staff on-site.
Curator-led highlights
Curator tours of The Guardians of Eternity dive deeper into the Qin and Han imperial tombs. Hosts: Dr. Györgyi Fajcsák (curator) and Judit Bagi (associate curator). Dates and hosts: February 18, 16:15–17:15 – Dr. Györgyi Fajcsák; March 11 – Dr. Györgyi Fajcsák; March 18 – Judit Bagi; March 25 – Dr. Györgyi Fajcsák; April 1 – Judit Bagi.
Tickets and practicalities
Curator tour full ticket: $22.70, including exhibition entry and guided program. Discount ticket: $13.40 for visitors eligible for at least a 50% exhibition discount. Please arrive at least 20 minutes early. Curator tours also use tour guide devices; pick up headphones in the Marble Hall. Headsets are disinfected after each use; you may use your own earphones on request.
A note on imagery
Photography featured is under copyright by the Museum of Fine Arts – Hungarian National Gallery.
