The Xian Warriors exhibition at MARQ continues to set records and draw audiences from across the globe. Since its opening three months ago in March, the show has welcomed a remarkable number of visitors, surpassing twenty-five thousand guests each month and signaling a sustained level of global interest. The museum has responded by strengthening its guided-tour program, expanding language options to Spanish, Valencian, English, and French to accommodate a diverse audience. These enhancements align with MARQ’s mission to offer accessible, informative experiences that illuminate China’s ancient terracotta army in a way that resonates with Canadian and American visitors as well as local guests.
During its run, the exhibition has benefited from a steady stream of international attention, including strong attendance from British and Madrid-based visitors. The longer opening hours, now from 10 am to 10 pm Tuesday through Saturday and from 10 am to 2 pm on Sundays and holidays, have helped accommodate a wider range of schedules and tourism flows. The extended hours have not diminished the steady monthly turnout; instead, the numbers suggest growing interest as summer travel intensifies. The result is a vibrant, dynamic cultural event that invites curious minds to explore the legacy of the Xian Warriors in an immersive setting that appeals to families, students, and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Exhibition details at MARQ emphasize the scale and significance of the collection. The display includes ten original terracotta statues, comprising nine warrior figures and one horse. These pieces represent a pinnacle of the collection and are complemented by additional artifacts that have previously traveled only within China. A total of 120 additional pieces, including complete sets and individual items, are part of this loaned portfolio, with several items exhibited in rotation across three temporary rooms. The arrangement demonstrates MARQ’s commitment to presenting high-profile international cultural treasures while maintaining rigorous curatorial standards and care for conserved artifacts. A small number of replicas, including two carriages, round out the display and provide visitors a broader sense of the broader Xian Warriors narrative.
Alongside the main exhibition, the cultural program has expanded to include a new summer school edition designed to engage younger audiences. Taking place during July and August, the program targets children aged 6 to 12. The workshops and events focus on history and archaeology in an accessible, hands-on way. Participants have the opportunity to compare ancient civilizations, discover how civilizations arose, and place key events within a clear chronological framework. Special attention is given to the periods surrounding the Qin and Han dynasties in both eastern and western contexts, enriching young learners’ understanding of how these eras shaped world history. This educational initiative complements the exhibition by translating monumental artifacts into approachable, memorable experiences for the next generation.
In summary, the Xian Warriors exhibition at MARQ stands as a landmark cultural event that blends a world-class collection with robust public programming. The combination of extended hours, multilingual tours, and a family-friendly summer curriculum ensures the experience appeals to a broad audience. Ample opportunities exist for international visitors to engage with China’s ancient artistry while local communities benefit from a deeper, more accessible exploration of archeology, history, and cultural exchange. MARQ continues to position itself as a premier center for learning, dialogue, and discovery, inviting people from Canada, the United States, and beyond to witness one of the most extraordinary exhibitions of terracotta craftsmanship in recent memory.