Enjoy a new look at the Terracotta Warriors at HMNS, starting Nov 14.

Key Points:

• World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century opens November 15 at HMNS (members see it first November 14), and invites guests to gaze in wonder upon the ever stoic and imposing army.
• The exhibit unearths 110 new treasures to North America and explores over two millennia of history, from China’s earliest cities to the iconic Qin dynasty.
• Stunning jade and gold ornaments, bronze vessels, and ceremonial fittings recovered from elite tombs are also on display.

HOUSTON, TX— Fifty years ago, the world was forever changed by an archaeological find that felt straight out of a movie: a vast, silent army of Terracotta Warriors, buried for millennia. In the years since, they’ve captivated millions. The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) has been a part of that journey, previously showing two blockbuster exhibitions that brought these breathtaking reminders of a distant past to a new audience.

Now, the warriors return, and a new chapter is about to be written. But this time, we’re digging deeper. World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century is set to open its doors at HMNS, bringing over 110 newly unearthed treasures to North America for the very first time.

“This exhibit presents the latest archaeological discoveries that rewrote history,” said Dr. Dirk Van Tuerenhout, Curator of Anthropology for HMNS. “China’s advanced civilization did not start where once thought it did. This is a story of over two millennia with kingdoms waxing and waning. It ends with the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. His mausoleum still stands, undisturbed. His army, and servants have awoken and await your visit.”

Some of the show’s highlights include:

• The Terracotta Warriors: Get up close with life-size sculptures of the famous soldiers and their horses, as well as intricately crafted half-size chariots.
• Precious Artifacts: See stunning jades, gold ornaments, bronze vessels, and ceremonial horse fittings uncovered in the tombs of kings and noblemen.
• Witness the Dawn of Cities: Discover rare artifacts from the 4,000-year-old city of Shimao.

In partnership with leading institutions across Shaanxi Province, this exhibition offers far more to appreciate than just the iconic soldiers. The objects on display take visitors on a journey through the political and artistic achievements that paved the way for the Qin dynasty. Travel back through time, from Shimao—one of China’s earliest walled cities around 2300 BCE—through the pivotal Shang and Zhou dynasties. These remarkable artifacts reveal the vast social and cultural transformation of China’s Shaanxi Province from 2300 to 206 B.C.E. They tell the story of a civilization born from fertile lands, starting with Shimao, the earliest state in northern China existing as a massive political and religious hub with a decorated, pyramid-shaped citadel. Breathtaking artistry of bronze works from the Zhou dynasty reveals the extraordinary craftsmanship of the time.

But despite these extraordinary new finds, the silent guardians created for China’s first emperor—the Terracotta Warriors—remain the star of the show. Get up close with life-sized warriors in various forms—archers, kneeling figures, a high-ranking military official, and a replica of a unique entertainment figure created to provide vivid amusement for the emperor in the afterlife.

Eternally vigilant, each warrior serves a singular purpose: to protect their emperor for all of eternity. This is your chance to witness their breathtaking scale and unwavering resolve, and to step into the presence of an army that is always ready for battle.

World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century is on display at HMNS beginning November 15 (members see it first November 14). For ticket prices or more information, visit our website at www.hmns.org or call (713) 639-4629.

World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century is jointly organized by the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration,

Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center, and Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum Site Museum of the People’s Republic of China, and Bowers Museum in the United States.

Photo Credit: Images provided by the Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center.

About Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science—one of the nation’s most heavily attended museums—is a centerpiece of the Houston Museum District. With five floors of permanent exhibit halls, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and George Observatory and as host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions, the Museum has something to delight every age group. With such diverse and extraordinary offerings, a trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at 5555 Hermann Park Drive in the heart of the Museum District, is always an adventure.

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