Spectacular Fall and Winter Art Exhibitions Coming to Budapest’s Fine Arts Museum

William Blake: Marriage of Heaven and Hell - A Revolutionary Art Exhibition in Budapest
Reading time 4 minutes
Published
Date 2025.09.13
Category What's On
Author Dani Pesti

Budapest’s Museum of Fine Arts announces an extraordinary lineup of exhibitions for the upcoming season, featuring world-renowned archaeological treasures and masterpieces of British Romantic art. Foreign visitors to Budapest will have unprecedented opportunities to witness both ancient Chinese imperial history and revolutionary British artistic vision in one of Hungary’s premier cultural institutions.

Chinese Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Eternity

Starting November 27, 2025, and continuing through May 2026, the Museum of Fine Arts presents one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological exhibitions: Guardians of Eternity – The Terracotta Army of China’s First Emperor. This highly anticipated display brings together more than 150 ancient artifacts, including ten original terracotta warriors from the legendary army that guards Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb.

Historical Significance

The exhibition traces the remarkable rise of the Qin Empire over several centuries, from the 8th to 3rd centuries BC, showcasing important ceremonial objects and symbols from this transformative period in Chinese history. Visitors can explore how this ancient civilization developed the artistic and military traditions that would define Chinese imperial culture for millennia.

The life-sized terracotta soldiers displayed in the exhibition represent just a fraction of the thousands discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well near the emperor’s burial site. Each warrior was individually crafted with unique facial features and details, demonstrating the extraordinary craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans.

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Complementary Asian Art Experience

Running parallel to the main exhibition, the Hopp Ferenc Museum of Asiatic Arts will present displays focusing on the Asian Huns or Xiongnu people, providing broader context for understanding the complex cultural dynamics of ancient Central Asia and their connections to Chinese imperial history.

William Blake: Marriage of Heaven and Hell

From September 26, 2025, through January 11, 2026, Hungarian audiences will experience their first major exhibition dedicated to William Blake (1757-1827), the visionary British poet-artist whose revolutionary work bridges the gap between the spiritual and material worlds. This groundbreaking collaboration with London’s Tate Museum presents Blake’s most significant visual artworks alongside his inspirational sources and contemporaries.

Romantic Revolution in Art

The exhibition explores how Blake and his contemporaries responded to the turbulent world of late 18th and early 19th century Britain. Political upheavals including the American Revolutionary War, French and Haitian revolutions, prolonged wars with France, domestic social unrest, and rapid industrial transformation created an atmosphere of uncertainty that fueled artistic innovation.

Blake embodied the Romantic ideal of the misunderstood genius who worked largely unrecognized during his lifetime. Operating from his London studio as an engraver by trade, he developed innovative printmaking and painting techniques while creating works that merged his radical political views, deep religious faith, and personal struggles into visionary art.

Featured Artists and Influences

The exhibition showcases works by artists who inspired Blake, including Henry Fuseli, Benjamin West, John Hamilton Mortimer, and J.M.W. Turner. Visitors will also discover how Blake’s revolutionary approach influenced Hungarian writers and intellectuals such as Antal Szerb and Lőrinc Szabó, demonstrating the international reach of Romantic artistic ideals.

The display includes masterpieces from British art history’s most transformative period, featuring acclaimed Romantic era artists like William Turner, James Barry, and Samuel Palmer, providing comprehensive context for understanding Blake’s unique position within this artistic movement.

Additional Upcoming Exhibitions

Contemporary Acquisitions Display

From mid-October, the museum will showcase forty contemporary artworks recently acquired through donations from the museum’s Supporters’ Circle, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to expanding its collection with significant modern pieces.

Georg Baselitz Mannerist Graphics

Running from December 11, 2025, through March 15, 2026, the museum will present mannerist graphics by Georg Baselitz, one of contemporary art’s most significant figures, offering visitors insight into how classical artistic traditions continue to evolve in modern practice.

Adolf Fényes Retrospective

Beginning October 10, the Hungarian National Gallery celebrates the 80th anniversary of Adolf Fényes’ birth with a comprehensive display of the artist’s major works, providing insight into Hungarian artistic development during the early 20th century.

Lajos Tihanyi Lifetime Exhibition

Starting November 20, visitors can explore the complete artistic evolution of Lajos Tihanyi through a career-spanning retrospective that traces the development of one of Hungary’s most innovative modern artists.

Practical Visitor Information

The Museum of Fine Arts, located in Budapest’s Museum Quarter near Heroes’ Square, provides easy access via Metro Line 1 or multiple bus routes. The institution’s central location makes it convenient to combine these exceptional exhibitions with visits to other major Budapest attractions including the Hungarian National Gallery, Museum of Applied Arts, and City Park.

Exhibition tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the museum entrance, though advance booking is recommended for the highly anticipated Terracotta Warriors exhibition. Combined tickets offer access to multiple exhibitions and provide excellent value for visitors planning to explore several displays during their Budapest stay.

The timing of these exhibitions during Budapest’s beautiful autumn and early winter seasons creates perfect opportunities for cultural tourism, allowing visitors to experience world-class art while enjoying the city’s stunning architecture and seasonal atmosphere. These exceptional displays position Budapest as a major destination for international art enthusiasts seeking rare opportunities to encounter both ancient treasures and revolutionary artistic masterpieces in a single, accessible location.

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William Blake: Marriage of Heaven and Hell - A Revolutionary Art Exhibition in Budapest