Preview: Terra Cotta Warriors at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, DC

Submitted by Graecyn on Fri, 11/20/2009 - 11:42

Last night, I had the amazing opportunity to join other fellow bloggers and photographers at the sneak-preview of the Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor exhibit. It is an amazing and awe-inspiring collection of detailed weaponry, life-size figures, limestone armor, and intricate details I've never had the priviledge to see first-hand before.

I was immediately taken by the sheer size of the figures. On first entering the exhibit, you're immediately met by a massive horse and calvary man that looms large in the entry room.

The entire exhibit is bursting with the essence of ancient China from the paintings and artifacts adorning the walls, to the low ambience of oriental music, to the lush reds, oranges and browns used in the colour scheme.

What follows from the entryway is at least an hour's walking-tour (or audio, if you prefer!) of weaponry, armor, currency, bronze figures, incredible clay sculptures and architecture of ancient Chinese culture.

Photography unfortunately is not allowed inside the exhibit once it has opened to the public, however, I fully encourage you to check out the Heritage Key Flickr pool for photographs of this exhibit!

Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor, opened to the public on 19th November, 2009, at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, DC. The museum is the final venue of the exhibition's four-city U.S. tour. Tickets are sold for $12 USD per adult, $10 USD per senior citizen, and $6 per child between the ages of 2-12. A group discount rate of $8 USD per person applies to groups of 10 or more.

This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the Terracotta Warriors in the U.S. With 55,000 advance tickets sold before opening day, I can only imagine the excitement among those ready to see the figures live and in colour and hope to encourage you to join the crowd!

Stonehenge Virtual - The layout begins. - August 23, 2009

More photos from the Terracotta Warriors Exhibition by Graecyn:

Are you planning to visit this amazing exhibition? One of those 55.000 people who already bought their ticket? Or already been there? What's your opinion on these travelling warriors? Is the exhibition doing them justice? Would you advise going?

Read 4 comments, or leave your own

About The Author

Graecyn K. (follow me:

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Last three pieces by this author:

Seeing Creatively and Photo Composition | Virtual World Photography: Tips & Tricks | Terra Cotta Warriors Exhibit Coming to the National Geographic Museum

Graecyn is an artist currently living in Washington, DC, USA. She is passionate about virtual world development and social media and loves exploring new virtual worlds and 'uncharted territory'. History and heritage hold a special fascination and interest for her. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, painting, 3d modeling, and learning anything new.

Comments

Ann:

Ryker, these photographs are utterly and absolutely totally amazing! I know I won't be getting to the exhibition, but this is a very close runner-up for being there myself. I had never seen the 'sitting terracotta warrior' before, and you captured him beautifully, as well as the clay story of how the warriors were made. (I assume that one is more 'contemporary', no?)

Anyway, I'm sure anybody who sees these photographs goes into a 'must attend', 'must buy ticket', 'must go to Washington DC' mode!

Fri, 20-11-2009 10:45

Meral Crifasi:

Graecyn, a wonderful selection of superb photography. You were very lucky to be part of the select group pf blogger who had a chance to see these up close in private, I am jealous . Great start in Heritage Key

Fri, 20-11-2009 11:13

Ann:

Jon just told me the 'sitting terracotta warrior' is an terracotta acrobat, not a warrior. (Oopz) And that you also have the Emperor and that he thinks the 'giant chariot' (with the four horses) is a - albeit a very good one - a replica. Oh.. and of course I totally agree with all Meral is saying too! (Would not dare otherwise, she'd take my coffee away.)

Fri, 20-11-2009 11:18

Darren Guard:

Amazing photographs.

Thu, 26-11-2009 16:09

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