Thousands visited the lasting Xi’an Warriors exhibition at MARQ, marking a new peak in the Alicante Archaeological Museum’s history. The record shows a surge of interest in the Qin and Han dynasties, highlighting the strength of China’s ancient culture as showcased in the figures from Xi’an. MARQ’s presentation of these terracotta warriors drew crowds with a powerful story of ancient artistry and military life, and the exhibition became a standout event in the museum’s calendar. According to MARQ records, the display’s popularity underscores the public’s appetite for world-class archaeological discoveries and international cultural exchange. Citation: MARQ archives.
The show opened on March 28, 2023, and concluded its weekend run after two special open days and long queues that stretched for hours. More than 7,587 visitors attended on the final weekend, confirming the exhibition’s appeal beyond the initial impulse to see a famed museum collection. This milestone stands beside MARQ’s prior achievements in presenting global gems. In a broader sense, it reflects how international exhibitions can energize local culture and tourism. Citation: MARQ archives.
To put the MARQ numbers in perspective, the most visited MARQ event remained the Beauty of the Body collection in 2009, with about 200,000 visitors during a seven-month run. In 191,680 guests attended Miron, another seven-month engagement in 2010. The gladiators exhibit drew 101,862 visitors in eight months of 2022, while the Vikings show drew 101,180 visitors over 11 months in 2016/17. These figures illustrate a pattern of strong audience engagement for high-profile international displays hosted by the Alicante museum. Citation: MARQ archives.
Deputy of Culture Juan de Dios Navarro acknowledged the public’s response and emphasized the museum’s commitment to hosting high-level international exhibitions such as the Xi’an Warriors. He described the data as evidence of state support for a unique cultural initiative that resonates globally. Citation: MARQ archives.
Alicante is followed by Madrid and Valencia in visitor interest
Among the attendees, more than a hundred pieces formed an exceptional collection, including ten original terracotta statues with nine warriors and one horse. Alicante welcomed 225,275 visitors to MARQ, followed by Madrid with 7,125 visitors and Valencia with 6,263. Murcia accounted for 5,944 visitors, Castile-La Mancha for 3,448, Castile and León for 2,195, Andalusia for 2,038, and Catalonia for 1,217. These regional figures illustrate a broad geographic draw within Spain. Citation: MARQ archives.
Outside Spain, visitors from Europe led the way, with Great Britain reporting 5,059 visitors, the East 2,314, France 2,234, Holland 1,974, and Nordic countries 1,839. Visitors from the Americas numbered 3,567, and those from Asia reached 2,128. The distribution shows a wide international interest in MARQ’s Xi’an Warriors, signaling the exhibition’s global appeal. Citation: MARQ archives.
Guided visits
Over the ten months the exhibition was open, MARQ’s team facilitated 3,470 guided visits. Of these, 2,905 were in Spanish, 227 in English, 170 in Valencian, and 76 in French. Additionally, 92 visits were arranged for schoolchildren and groups with accessibility needs, adapted to various abilities. Citation: MARQ archives.
Alicante bids farewell to Xi’an warriors in style
During the run, 100,408 guests enjoyed free entry while 180,274 joined guided tours. Approximately 90 theatrical screenings enriched the experience, and 1,776 visitors explored exhibition details through description-focused sessions. Citation: MARQ archives.
Summer and vacation programs drew 2,390 minors aged 6 to 12, organized by the Didactic Unit of the CV MARQ Foundation. In balance, 91,956 entries were earned through instant ticket purchases; 65,145 people attended guided tours, and 26,811 participated in free tours. Citation: MARQ archives.