The doors of MARQ have swung wide open, showcasing a fusion of ancient ambition and modern vision. The moment marks more than 2,000 years of history from the Qin and Han dynasties, reimagined for today. In Alicante, a fresh chapter unfolds in the country’s museum narrative, as a new era begins under the banner of cultural exchange and shared discovery. The opening featured remarks that underscored the project as a gateway linking China’s imperial past with Spain’s present-day curiosity, highlighting the collaborative spirit that brought this extraordinary exhibition to life.
Seven life-sized terracotta soldiers and a horse anchor a grand display that includes 120 works drawn from nine institutions, many of which are being shown for the first time beyond China. This assemblage stands as a remarkable example of a cultural journey that has traveled from Xi’an to the Mediterranean, turning MARQ into a focal point on the European cultural map. The event was described as historic, a turning point for the museum and a testament to the long-standing cultural dialogue between Spain and China. The assembly’s leaders emphasized the scale and significance of the undertaking, noting that the project required a concerted deployment of resources and expertise to realize such an immersive experience.
From the outset, the exhibition conveys the power of culture, archaeology, and historical continuity to unite peoples. It invites visitors to see one of humanity’s great archaeological discoveries through a broader lens, one that places Alicante at the heart of a global conversation about past civilizations and their enduring legacies. The initiative is seen as a stepping stone toward a more visible international museum presence for the city and the region, a goal celebrated by officials who hail the event as a milestone in cultural diplomacy.
Spanish-Chinese cooperation
The cultural and touristic activities surrounding the exhibition coincide with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Spain and China. Officials stressed that cooperation has strengthened over time, deepening with each new exchange. The Qin and Han dynasties are regarded as pivotal in Chinese history, with symbolic elements such as warriors, the great wall, poetry, and papermaking standing out as remarkable inventions that shaped world culture. The exhibition is praised as a high-quality event that brings these legendary epochs into sharper focus for a contemporary audience.
The cultural exchange has become a platform for shared learning and mutual appreciation, allowing people from both nations to experience the distinctive features of these ancient civilizations and the richness of global cultural heritage. The project is celebrated as a bridge that connects communities through art, history, and scholarly collaboration.
How and why were the Xian warriors created?
The ministers overseeing the project described the event as a unique opportunity to deepen learning and mutual knowledge. The display makes visible aspects of ancient life that were once hidden, inviting the public to explore how these civilizations built their societies. The exhibition presents a narrative that emphasizes the human effort behind monumental discoveries and the ongoing dialogue between archaeologists, researchers, and visitors who seek to understand the past through contemporary insights.
Attention to detail is clear in the presentation, with a carefully choreographed sequence that places the warriors within a broader context of Chinese history. The exhibition highlights the meticulous craftsmanship and the collective labor that created the iconic figures, inviting audiences to reflect on the ways in which such artifacts continue to illuminate culture and identity today.
unforgettable days
Today is remembered as a memorable day for many, and when the doors opened to the public this afternoon, it promised unforgettable experiences for those who explore MARQ’s new halls. The opening was marked by a sense of shared achievement among museum staff, curators, and international colleagues who contributed to the project. The sense of excitement and anticipation was palpable as visitors began to encounter the immersive spaces and the story of the Qin and Han dynasties told in fresh, accessible ways.
The exhibition emphasizes a new narrative approach in which the work of builders and researchers is celebrated alongside the artifacts themselves. It invites audiences to step into a laboratory of ideas where archaeologists and scientists share their latest discoveries, and where questions and curiosity are welcomed as part of the experience. The collaboration involved a large team from both China and the Alicante museum, including technicians, archaeologists, and architectural specialists who contributed to the design and execution of the show. Music composed for the event helped to translate the ancient mood into a contemporary sensory experience that resonates with diverse visitors.
Several dignitaries attended the opening, underscoring the cultural importance of the project. The gathering reflected a shared sense of possibility for future cooperation across sectors, from culture to education and technology. The broader aim is to deepen cultural exchange and to develop a comprehensive strategy for ongoing collaboration that benefits both communities.
The event also featured remarks from heritage leadership and cultural officials who highlighted the significance of the Xian warriors within the broader arc of Chinese archaeology. They expressed hope that this exhibition would offer Spain a new perspective on Chinese civilization and invite a fresh dialogue about how museums across Europe can present ancient history in engaging, accessible ways for the public.
rooms and routes
ROOM 1. A fusion of Qin Shi Huang’s world with Chinese history unfolds across a journey from the Spring and Autumn period through the Han era. Visitors encounter ritual bronzes, grand jade bells, ceremonial ornaments, mechanical weapons, calligraphy, coins, measurement units, and other exotic items that entered China via the Silk Road. The room situates political life within the broader tapestry of nobility, bureaucracy, and daily rituals that defined the era.
ROOM 2. AN ETERNAL PALACE invites guests into the funerary world of the empire with a depiction of an eternal palace filled with fantastic animals, musical instruments, and gold and silver artifacts. A bronze wagon stands as a spectacular remnant of the mausoleum, a replica because the originals are too delicate to leave China. Weighing about 1,200 kilograms and comprising more than 3,000 components, it is part of the shrine dedicated to the emperor who ordered the city’s founding—an architectural testament to power, memory, and ritual that still captures the imagination today.
ROOM 3. ETERNAL PROTECTORS presents the vast army that protected the emperor in the afterlife: 8,000 warriors, 500 horses, and 130 chariots. Here the famous terracotta soldiers are displayed face-to-face, alongside other remarkable statues unearthed from the mausoleum. For the first time, visitors are invited to acknowledge the thousands of workers and artisans who contributed to the mausoleum’s creation. The journey ends with the Yanling Mausoleum figures, a smaller, yet telling, terracotta assembly that demonstrates the continuity of traditions from the Han dynasty into later periods. The figures are depicted with fabric clothing and articulated elements that evoke their original appearance and function.