The ancient Terracotta Warriors return to Brisbane

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. Built during the Qin dynasty (221 to 207 BCE) they were buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuang, to protect him in the afterlife, before being discovered in 1974.

The Warriors are famous across the world as one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20^th century, and 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, including eight of the monumental terracotta soldier figures, and animals, armour, tools and weapons made from terracotta, bronze, stone, gold and more.

Blur the lines between past and present, and the dead and the living, as 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.

“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 arts and its priority to deliver exceptional arts and cultural experiences for Queenslanders and visitors.”

For more information and purchase tickets at https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/kurilpa/whats-on/terracotta-warriors/