Terracotta Warriors: Immortality & Empire

You won’t need to book a flight to China to stand shoulder to shoulder with the army that time could not defeat.

Last seen in Brisbane in 1983, the terracotta warriors are marching to Queensland Museum Kurilpa for Terracotta Warriors: Immortality & Empire.

From Friday June 11 to Sunday October 31 2027, visitors to the museum can learn about the ancient legacy that continues to captivate audiences.

These life-sized clay sculptures depict the armies of the first emperor of China during the Qin dynasty (221 to 207 BCE), and were buried with him for protection in the afterlife before being discovered by local farmers in 1974.

The Queensland-exclusive exhibition will feature more than 120 artefacts and replicas from China – including eight of the original soldier figures – alongside animal sculptures, armour, tools and weapons crafted from terracotta, bronze, stone, gold and more. Lighting, projection and spatial design will also be integrated as a way to blur the lines between past and present, while telling the full story of the 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,” says Queensland Museum CEO Renai Grace. 

Don’t miss the chance to unearth one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Tickets are available now via Queensland Museum.

This international exhibition is presented in partnership with the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, the Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center, Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, the National Museum of Australia and Queensland Museum.

This article was written in partnership with our friends at Queensland Museum.