On April 24th in the afternoon, we were invited to a private tour to view Terracotta Warriors: Defenders of China’s First Emperor, a new exhibition that features hundreds of ancient and authentic artifacts from the Tomb of China’s First Emperor, dating back to 221 BCE. at Discover Times Square. It was truly amazing!
Dr. Chen Shen
Dr. Chen Shen, Vice-President, Senior Curator, Bishop White Chair of East Asian Archaeology of the Royal Ontario Museum and Curator of The Warrior Emperor and China’s Terracotta Army, was there to introduce us all the background and history with every item that was displayed.
Willow Hai Chang, Director of China Institute Gallery with Dr. Chen Shen
Willow Hai Chang, Director of China Institute Gallery also attended this special media tour and explained the partnership of china Institute with Discover Times Square for this special exhibition.
Standing more than six feet tall and weighing 600 pounds each, the terracotta soldiers were created more than 2,000 years ago with unprecedented craftsmanship to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in his afterlife. After founding the first united China, Qin was responsible for building and unifying various sections of the Great Wall of China and a massive national road system that has continued to evolve over centuries.
Since its accidental discovery in 1974, the Terracotta Army continues its legacy as one of the most sought after collections of artifacts from ancient China. The exhibition created and produced by Discovery Times Square in cooperation with China Institute will provide a unique way of understanding China’s history.
“Since its founding in 1926, China Institute has advanced a deeper understanding of China through exhibitions and programs in education, culture and art. We are very pleased to partner in this groundbreaking exhibition, bringing the Terracotta Warriors and the history they represent to New York,” said Sara Judge McCalpin, President of China Institute.
James Sanna, CEO of Discovery Times Square, added: “It’s a great honor to have the opportunity to work with these legendary artifacts and craft a one-of-a-kind experience immersing visitors into a time that was so influential in shaping China’s history. We are proud to partner with New York’s China Institute to present these artifacts here in the heart of Times Square.”
The exhibit contains three chronological exhibition stages. Upon entry, visitors will first learn the history of the Qin Dynasty and the First Emperor’s rise to power, followed by the significance of the Terracotta Army, and the peaceful life of the ensuing Han Dynasty, which established essential Chinese traditions still reflected in Chinese society today.
In addition to the Terracotta Warriors, more than 200 additional artifacts and treasures will be displayed, including a set of gates to the Emperor’s tomb (making their world debut), warrior armor, a bronze ritual vessel, and gold pendants and ornaments.
Terracotta Warriors: Defenders of China’s First Emperor, a new experiential adaptation of one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in modern time, opens at Discovery Times Square (226 West 44th Street) on April 27. The exhibition will feature the world premier of a set of gates from the Emperor’s tomb, which have never been seen outside of China, the U.S. debut of more than 20 artifacts, including a “Lai” Ding (cooking utensil) and a Bronze “He” (water or wine container), and an up-close look at 10 of the authentic, life-sized clay soldiers. Tickets are $19.50 (child 4-12), $25.00 (adult) and $22.50 (senior = 65) and available for purchase through the Discovery Times Square website (www.DiscoveryTS.com), by phone (212-987-9692) or by visiting the Discovery Times Square box office. For a limited time, you can get 20% off the full admission price by using the promotional code “96752”. For group and school sales, use the code “Qin” for special discounts.
Follow us for more event coverage and exciting giveaways: https://www.facebook.com/AsianInNYFans
Leave a Reply