Terracotta Warriors attract 200,000
The enormous task of bringing hundreds of ancient Chinese treasures halfway around the world has paid off for Te Papa.
During its four-month run, the museum’s Terracotta Warriors: Guardians Of Immortality exhibition attracted 198,000 people – more than double what was originally anticipated.
‘‘We have been blown away by the interest in the exhibition, and impressed by the level of detail that visitors have been delving into,’’ museum spokesperson Kate Camp said.
‘‘They’ve been really taking their time, reading the labels, listening to the audio guide and buying the catalogue to read up at home.’’
The large-scale exhibition, which cost $2.6 million to transport to Wellington, featured eight warriors, standing 180 centimetres tall, and two full-size horses from the famous terracotta army, as well as two halfsize, replica bronze horse-drawn chariots.
Also on display were more than 160 works of ancient Chinese art made from gold, jade and bronze.
‘‘People have told us they appreciate seeing the warriors alongside all the other treasures, and getting an insight into Chinese culture and history,’’ Camp said.
‘‘The other common theme is the privilege of being so close to history, close enough to pore over every intricate detail.’’
Exhibition curator Dr Rebecca Rice said the exhibition achieved everything the museum was aiming for.
‘‘We wanted to offer an immersive and intimate experience – a
❚ 198,000 visitors (original target: 97,000).
❚ 2300 years – age of the terracotta warriors.
❚ 100 to 300kg – weight range of the warriors.
❚ 3060 years – age of the oldest item on display.
❚ $2.6 million – cost of the exhibition.
❚ $33m – estimated economic benefit to Wellington. chance to see the terracotta warriors up close in breathtaking detail.
‘‘It was important to us that the exhibition give an insight into Chinese history and culture, and we can see from our audience response it has done just that.’’
Rice said that working closely with colleagues from China was a personal highlight.
‘‘We are honoured to be able to host these treasures in Aotearoa, and we are so grateful for the support and expertise of our Chinese colleagues.’’
The exhibition objects travelled more than 10,000 kilometres to Te Papa from Xi’ian and will now take a shorter journey to Melbourne, where they will be shown at the National Gallery of Victoria from May 24.
Te Papa has yet to announce any future exhibitions to fill the gap left by the Terracotta Warriors.