Chinese Zodiac Case
Year of the Horse

Set of Zodiac Animals

Date

Currently Open Feb 10, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027

Location

Level 1,
China

Admission

Included with admission
Free for Members—Learn More

About

As part of our annual zodiac installation, February 17, 2026 marks the beginning of the year of the horse (马), the 7th animal in the Chinese zodiac. People born in the year of the horse are said to be compassionate and kind.

In early China, horses were valued for their usefulness to humans—from transportation to hunting and war. Life-size clay horses and smaller figurines were placed in tombs to accompany the dead in their afterlife to serve similar purposes.

Step into a thoughtfully curated zodiac display featuring a rich collection of horse-themed objects and cultural artifacts. Among the highlights is a striking burial figure of a calendrical horse from the early 200s, along with many other works now showcased in this special tribute to the majestic horse.