The Famous Terracotta Warriors Return to Brisbane After 44 Years, Queensland Museum
Stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the army that time could not defeat at this Queensland exclusive exhibition
Mark your calendars, June 2027! Brisbane audiences are invited to come face-to-face with the extraordinary 2,000-year-old Terracotta Warriors. Terracotta Warriors: Immortality & Empire is a Queensland exclusive exhibition at Queensland Museum Kurilpa from Friday 11 June to Sunday 31 October 2027.
Last seen in Brisbane in 1983, the Terracotta Warriors are a collection of life-sized clay soldier sculptures. They were built during the Qin dynasty (221 to 207 BCE) and buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuang, to protect him in the afterlife. They were discovered in 1974.
The Warriors are famous across the world as one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Their ancient story continues to captivate audiences with their scale, craftsmanship, military precision and enduring mystery.
Terracotta Warriors: Immortality & Empire will take you on a journey through ancient China’s turbulent politics, rich spiritual landscape and complex artistry, all anchored by the army that time could not defeat.
Discover and marvel at more than 120 artefacts and replicas from China. These include eight of the monumental terracotta soldier figures, along with animals, armour, tools and weapons made from terracotta, bronze, stone, gold and more.
Blur the lines between past and present, and between the dead and the living. Lighting, projection and spatial design will take you through the full story of the Warriors, from their spiritual origins to their descendant forms in the succeeding empire.
Queensland Museum CEO Renai Grace said the exhibition would give visitors a rare and unforgettable opportunity to experience the intimate detail and breathtaking scale of the legendary Terracotta Warriors.
“Terracotta Warriors: Immortality & Empire is exclusive to Queensland Museum Kurilpa, Brisbane and the National Museum of Australia, Canberra. It’s an incredible opportunity to see these artefacts in person, some that have never been seen before in the Southern Hemisphere,” Ms Grace said.
“The story of the Terracotta Warriors is one steeped in culture and historical significance, and this immersive exhibition will bring visitors right into the heart of that story and how it continues to captivate thousands of years later.”
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said this is a rare opportunity for locals and visitors to experience a remarkable ancient treasure in a Queensland exclusive exhibition.
“The Terracotta Warriors will strengthen our state’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination attracting locals and visitors to world-class exhibitions and experiences,” Minister Langbroek said.
“The Crisafulli Government is proud to support Queensland Museum’s presentation of this internationally acclaimed exhibition, which aligns with our arts and cultural strategy, Queensland Time to Shine, and its priority to deliver exceptional arts and cultural experiences for Queenslanders and visitors.”
Tickets available now!
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit museum.qld.gov.au/kurilpa/whats-on/terracotta-warriors