Zithers' Day

The Zithers' Day at the Museum of Ethnography on 22nd March 2025 is not only connected to the museum’s temporary exhibition May the Zithers Sing Merrily! but also celebrates the fact that the already exciting selection has been expanded with a unique Chinese section. The exhibition has been enriched with rare, ancient Chinese zithers, guzhenges, dating back thousands of years. These instruments are introduced under the title The Voice of Nature and the Human Soul from China – An Exhibition of Guqins from the China Three Gorges Museum in Chongqing.

Beyond the beauty, sound, and craftsmanship of these zithers insured for 3.2 billion forints, the exhibition also highlights their associated spirituality, myths, and philosophical concepts. From its origins, the guzheng has been deeply influenced by Taoist philosophy, emphasising harmonious coexistence with nature and the balance between humans and the natural world.

Although the earliest mention of the guzheng dates back to around the 11th century BC, the oldest surviving instrument of this type is approximately 2,700 years old. The exhibition presents its “younger” successors, including the Songshi Jianji (Harmony Between Pine and Rock), a guzheng from the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127 AD).

Visitors to Zithers' Day will have the opportunity to discover not only Hungarian zithers but also similar instruments from around the world, now including the guzheng, known as the “father of Chinese music” or the “instrument of the sages”. The event will also feature minyo, Korean folk songs performed with the gayageum, a Korean zither-like instrument.

Those interested in Chinese culture can admire the qipao, the traditional Chinese women’s dress, and get a glimpse into tai chi fan, a fitness style incorporating martial arts elements. The Silhouettes of Guzheng workshop will introduce visitors to the art of Chinese papercutting. Tibor Gáts, a Hungarian zither maker, will guide visitors through the world of Hungarian zithers, while József Birinyi, an ethnomusicologist, will present zithers from his personal collection, revealing the connections between peasant traditions and contemporary folk music innovations. The event is also linked to the Bach for Everyone Festival: Klára Dudás will perform a programme featuring both Hungarian folk music and works by the great German composer.

Exciting concerts await both adults and children, with the interactive children’s performance Where Does It Come From? introducing young audiences to the world of zithers.

• A single ticket type will be available on this day, priced at 2,500 HUF. This ticket grants access to all exhibitions as well as all event programmes, offering a full-day experience.
• As this ticket is considered an event pass, standard discounts (for students, pensioners, teachers, disabled visitors, etc.) do not apply. The Ethnoshop discount is also unavailable.
• Children under 3 may attend for free.
• Tickets can be purchased and collected at the museum entrances, where they will also be checked. Free movement through the building will not be possible on this day. Thank you for your understanding!
• The exhibitions close at 6 PM, while the shops at the Damjanich Street entrance remain open until 7 PM.