Nothing can really prepare you for coming face to face with one of the most iconic collections in the world. You might already be familiar with the history of the Terracotta Warriors, but until youāre standing in front of them, do you realise that itās their unique expressions, powerful poses, hairstyles, weapons and uniforms that begin to tell their extraordinary story.
The Terracotta Warriors, currently on display at the WA Museum Boola Bardip, are being exhibited together globally for the first time, including some recently excavated pieces.
In one of the boldest exhibitions to ever come to Perth, over 225 Chinese artefacts include musical instruments, vessels, jade objects and animal figures, including a bronze swan. The exhibition sheds light on Chinaās first emperor, Qin Shihuang, exploring his life, legacy and afterlife over seven distinct areas, as well as Chinaās military, societal hierarchy and daily life.
In one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the Terracotta Warriors depict Qin Shihuangās army of around 8,000, created to protect him in the afterlife for all eternity. How so many warriors remained a mystery until their discovery in 1974 is a miracle. Qin Shihuangās monumental burial chamber remains sealed and preserved in a secret underworld. The tomb took over four decades and more than 700,000 workers to build one of the largest archaeological reserves, and records depict opulent palaces and flowing rivers.
The life-size figures vary in height according to their rank, alongside chariots and horses, and are often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Itās easy to lose hours delving deeper and examining the artefacts before viewing the main event of eight life-size terracotta warriors and a horse. Although eight might seem like a modest number out of 8,000 warriors, considering they are over 2,000 years old, imagine the undertaking involved to transport the priceless exhibition, including a kneeling archer and a statuesque armoured infantryman.
One thing that really struck me was the way the terracotta warriors were exhibited behind reflective glass, and depending on where you stood in the gallery, their eerie reflections seemed to multiply to the point that you felt as though you were being observed, not the other way around.
Complimented by an immersive multimedia experience, images of the warriors are depicted in coloured uniforms, as they were once painted in a multi-coloured spectacle.
Historians and history-lovers will no doubt take full advantage of the season passes, allowing for unlimited visits throughout the exhibition for $90. General admission is $30 for adults and $15 for kids. Special events include illuminated warriors at night, talks, performances, school holiday programs and cultural events, including the Guzheng Grand Ensemble on Sunday 19th October.
Even if youāre not into history, thereās no denying itās marvellous that archaeologists are still making such significant discoveries.
The Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor exhibition is held at WA Museum Boola Bardip at the Perth Cultural Centre until Sunday, 22nd February 2026. Located in Northbridge, it seems only fitting to time your visit with dim sum in Chinatown.
To book tickets to Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor , please visit https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/boolabardip/terracotta-warriors-legacy-first-emperor.
