The story of the Xian Warriors Exhibition unfolds in Alicante at MARQ, tracing the legacy of the Qin and Han dynasties in ancient China. The display has drawn large crowds, with visitor numbers approaching the million mark across several comparable touring periods. The opening event occurred on March 28, drawing anticipation that already made the MARQ a leading cultural destination. The exhibition mirrors the momentum seen in earlier global tours, where similar retrospectives attracted tens of thousands within a short window and culminated in audiences reaching well over a hundred thousand by the end of longer runs. This trajectory underscores the enduring appeal of terracotta artistry and Chinese imperial history on the world stage.
In Alicante, the Xian Warriors Exhibition remains scheduled through January 28, 2024, marking a full ten months of display. The ongoing performance of attendance will reveal whether it surpasses other landmark shows, such as the notable Disc Thrower event, whose touring footprint provided a strong comparison in terms of public engagement. The balance sheet for the exhibition is followed closely by local cultural authorities, who view the numbers as a testament to public interest in this immersive journey through China’s past. Evidence from the latest reporting highlights daily entries as a sign of broad appeal, with data described as extraordinary for a world-class exhibition housed in Spain.
The exhibit presents a curated selection of ten original terracotta figures, nine standing warriors and one horse. These pieces represent the pinnacle of the collection and are complemented by an expanded set of related works drawn from China. The Beijing-based China National Cultural Heritage Administration has contributed additional pieces or sets, some never shown outside China, while MARQ has allocated five replica items across three temporary rooms, including two notable standouts. This international collaboration enriches the display and offers visitors a rare glimpse into the imperial army’s artistry.
Xian Warriors delivers a thoughtful blend of original artifacts and scholarly context. The curators have arranged a sensory-rich experience that blends scent design with didactic materials, enabling a deeper understanding of the figures and the historical environment. The exhibition design emphasizes accessibility for diverse audiences, ensuring that visitors of all ages can engage with the material and draw connections to China’s cultural heritage.
guided access and multilingual programs
MARQ offers guided passes in multiple languages and a robust summer program that extends access to the exhibition for longer hours, up to twenty-two hours on select days. The museum’s online store has expanded to include a thoughtful selection of exhibition-related objects and a comprehensive catalog listing from major displays within MARQ’s repertoire. These additions help visitors plan their experience and revisit the show through curated resources.
Overall, the Xian Warriors Exhibition stands as a landmark cultural event for MARQ, highlighting the enduring fascination with ancient China and providing a vivid, immersive experience that connects global audiences with the artistry and history of the Qin and Han periods. The collaboration between MARQ and Chinese cultural authorities underscores the value of international exchange in presenting world-class artefacts to new generations of museum-goers.
At MARQ, the exhibition continues to attract visitors from across the region and beyond, reinforcing Alicante’s status as a major hub for historical exhibitions. The show’s large-scale, carefully staged presentation offers a compelling narrative about China’s imperial guardians, inviting audiences to witness the artistry, engineering, and cultural significance that have captivated people for centuries. Markers of success include high footfall, positive reception, and ongoing public debate about the interpretation of ancient artefacts in a modern museum setting. Ongoing reviews from cultural authorities and visitors alike contribute to a broader understanding of how such collections travel and resonate in foreign contexts. [Citation: MARQ]