Program details
The lantern decorations at the Budapest “World of Animals” Light Festival were made by artisans from Zigong, China, using traditional techniques. Zigong lantern-making is part of China’s intangible cultural heritage, with a history dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties. The frames of modern lanterns are shaped from steel wire, illuminated with LEDs inside, and covered with colorful fabrics. This allows for the creation of various shapes—people, animals, plants, birds, fish, and insects—as well as large, surreal lanterns.
The exhibition’s theme is the “World of Animals,” focusing on endangered species from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South America, North America, and Oceania. The surfaces of the animals are decorated with symbolic cultural motifs characteristic of their respective continents. In this way, the lantern groups combine endangered animals with the distinctive cultural elements of each region, showcasing both the richness of the world’s wildlife and cultural diversity.
Opening hours:
October 17–31, 2025, Friday to Sunday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Gates open: 6:00 PM
Last entry: 8:20 PM
On-site ticket office closes: 8:20 PM
Gates close: 9:00 PM
November 1, 2025 – February 22, 2026, Friday to Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Gates open: 5:00 PM
Last entry: 8:20 PM
On-site ticket office closes: 8:20 PM
Gates close: 9:00 PM
Special opening times:
October 23 – November 2, 2025: open every day
December 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026: open every day
Closed on: December 24, 25, 26, and 31, 2025.