Across the long arc of Chinese history, the Qin and Han dynasties come alive in Xi’an, and the MARQ museum in Alicante welcomed a remarkable presentation that drew crowds last week. The exhibition journey ends next weekend, leaving a lasting impression as visitors from around the region immersed themselves in a vivid voyage through ancient China. After ten months on display, the MARQ program has already etched a historical marker for museum exhibitions in Alicante, with totals exceeding three hundred thousand visits and counting. (Citation: MARQ Alicante Museum)
more than 260,000 people explored the show, cementing its place as the most visited exhibition in MARQ’s history and turning what began as a bold idea into a beloved community experience. (Citation: MARQ Alicante Museum)
MARQ announced open days on January 27 and 28, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., inviting free access to a celebration that resembled a cultural festival. Visitors could wander through three rooms and marvel at this extraordinary offering, which showcased more than 120 pieces. The project was steered by Dr. D., a renowned international authority on terracotta army research and a professor at the University of Cambridge, who received the China National Science Award in 2018 for his work at the Mausoleum of the First Emperor site. The initiative also highlighted the curatorial leadership of Marcos Martinón-Torres. (Citation: MARQ Alicante Museum)
The exhibition features more than 120 works drawn from nine Chinese museums and institutions, tracing the arc of ancient Chinese history. It opened last March, coinciding with two significant milestones: the 50th anniversary of Spain–People’s Republic of China diplomatic relations and the 49th anniversary of the Mausoleum of the First Emperor discovery. The event drew attention from national and international media, with coverage from the Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism among others. (Citation: MARQ Alicante Museum)
Xian’s warriors at MARQ: a new page in the history of museums in Spain
President of the Provincial Council of Alicante, Tony Pérez, spoke with clear conviction about the effort, noting that this achievement represents more than a challenge. It reflects sustained teamwork, professional dedication, and a shared political will that will inspire future projects for the benefit of the communities MARQ serves. The collaboration among many specialists and experts demonstrates the capacity of local institutions to host world-class exhibitions. (Citation: MARQ Alicante Museum)
Special program on TVE
A special episode of the archaeological research documentary series on Spanish Television, Arqueomania, spotlighted MARQ and the terracotta warriors. The coverage, prepared by Culture MP Juan de Dios Navarro and CV-MARQ Foundation director José Alberto Cortes, will air soon on TVE and on the program’s website. It is scheduled for Saturday, January 20, at 12:15. The program can be viewed via the official RTVE link or on the organization’s site via marked citations. (Citation: RTVE Arqueomania)
The program explores the history of ancient civilizations in Spain, examining the traces history has left behind and the current state of this scientific field. It features reports, interviews, and animations that reveal the work of researchers, the interpretation of remains, and the field studies that illuminate the past. (Citation: RTVE Arqueomania)