The figures signaled promising news, and the Xian Warriors exhibition has already kicked off its run. It stands as the most visited show in MARQ’s history, according to the Alicante Archaeological Museum of the Provincial Council. The international display Legacy of the Qin and Han dynasties, China, attracted a global audience, and the Xi’an Warriors drew more than 200,000 visitors just weeks after opening, marking a peak in MARQ’s attendance record.
As noted in past reports, the 2009 Mirón’s Discóbolo exhibition reached a similar milestone during a seven‑month run. The current presentation opened at the end of March and has been available to the public for several months. The Xian Warriors will remain on view for a little longer, and additional pieces were added to MARQ prior to the exhibition’s final closing window.
Juan de Dios Navarro, the deputy responsible for culture, publicly commented on this latest balance, emphasizing the Provincial Council’s commitment to building cultural alliances through the Archaeological Museum of Alicante. He highlighted how such a landmark exhibition strengthens Europe’s perception of the region and offers the province a rare opportunity to admire some of the world’s finest artifacts.
Xian’s warriors at MARQ: a new page in the history of museums in Spain
Warriors of Xi’an will stay on display in Alicante for an extended period, culminating in a closing date that reflects the exhibition’s enduring appeal. It features a curated selection of ten original terracotta sculptures, including nine warriors and one horse, marking a capstone in MARQ’s loan program. These originals are complemented by a broader set of pieces, with the Beijing‑based National Cultural Heritage Administration of China sharing access to at least 120 additional items or sets of originals. Some of these works have never before traveled outside China, while five replicas are distributed across three temporary rooms in MARQ, with two notable exhibits standing out.
The exhibition design emphasizes accessibility and immersion, offering educational materials and resources suitable for all audiences. Visitors encounter sensory elements that create an enveloping atmosphere. Room one evokes the scents of cherries and rice; room two features incense; room three presents lotus, tea, and related aromas. In addition, music specifically composed for the experience accompanies the journey, enhancing the sense of discovery as guests move through the spaces.
Meanwhile, MARQ’s online store makes available not only the original objects connected with the Warriors of Xi’an exhibition but also a comprehensive list of catalogs from some of MARQ’s most significant exhibitions throughout its history. This cataloging effort provides researchers and enthusiasts with a valuable reference that complements the on‑site experience.