Get a first look inside the Terracotta Warriors Exhibition at World Museum

Prepare for a journey back in time as the Terracotta Warriors are finally unveiled in Liverpool.

The much anticipated ‘China’s First Emperor and the Terracotta Warriors’ exhibition opened it’s doors for the first time as local and national press got a first glimpse at more than 180 ancient Chinese artefacts, including 10 incredible figures. More than three years in the planning, we couldn’t wait to come face to face with Ancient Chinese history.

Having made the 5,000 mile journey to go on display at the World Museum, William Brown Street, the exhibition tells the story of the unification of China by the First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang in 221 BC and features not only the impressive Terracotta Warriors but also intricate accessories, armour, jewellery, artwork and more. Hailed as the 8th Wonder of the World, this blockbuster exhibition brings 1,000 years of history to the heart of Liverpool.

Watch above as we take you inside ‘China’s First Emperor and the Terracotta Warriors’ exhibition for a first look and our Kate chats with the team who brought it to life in Liverpool. 

We first heard about the Terracotta Warriors a little over a year ago and since then we’ve spent weeks immersed in the phenomenal story of China’s First Emperor and how his afterlife army was discovered and on Tuesday (6th February 2018) we finally got the chance to see it for ourselves. The layout, low lighting and presentation of the exhibition made us feel like we were about to discover an incredible secret, no doubt similar to how the villagers felt back in 1974 when they accidentally uncovered the first Terracotta Warrior.

A completely different setting to the bright and airy space of the World Museum that we all love, the second floor ‘special exhibitions’ space of the World Museum has been transformed into a Chinese landscape featuring gateways, replica fretwork screens and stunning, traditional artwork, hung from floor to ceiling.

You can see precious items excavated from Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s vast burial complex in numerous displays, some of which have never been seen in the UK before, as well as learn more about the time line of history and the lay out of the dynasty in a number of spectacular projections, created by Liverpool based company, Draw and Code.

Thousands of local school children have been invited to experience the history lesson of a lifetime as part of a thrilling educational programme featuring workshops, a specially created play and enjoy exclusive access to the exhibition before the crowds arrive. The exhibition education team have worked with another Liverpool based company, Hope Street Ltd, to create a 30 minute play ‘Rise of the Warriors‘ which transports youngsters to Ancient China where they have to avoid being captured by the First Emperor and get to witness the wonders of his Terracotta Warriors coming to life.

From the moment you see the first Terracotta Warrior and full size, cavalry horse, to the rivers of Mercury and shooting arrows of the burial site projection, China’s First Emperor and the Terracotta Warriors is a once in a lifetime, must-see exhibition with something for everyone.

Tickets are priced from £14.50 for adults and £5.50 for children aged between 6 and 17 years. Children aged 5 years and under go free and there are a number of additional concessions. National Museums Liverpool members get free unlimited access to the exhibition. Further details of prices and how to book tickets can be found at www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ terracottawarriors

We can’t wait to see your pictures and hear your reviews when the exhibition officially opens on Friday 9th February 2018. Use the hashtag #TerracottaWarriors to share your thoughts and don’t forget to tag us in on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook too. Click here for more information about the wider Chinese New Year celebrations planned for Liverpool throughout February 2018.