A cavalry soldier on a saddled horse is displayed as part of China's Terracotta Warriors display at Discovery Times Square in New York. AFP PHOTO/DON EMMERT.

NEW YORK, NY.- Terracotta Warriors: Defenders of China's First Emperor, a new immersive exhibition of one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in modern time, made its Northeast U.S. debut in New York City at Discovery Times Square (226 West 44th Street). The exhibition features artifacts dating back to 221 BCE, including the world premiere of a set of gates from an ancient Han burial chamber, the U.S. debut of more than 20 artifacts, and an up-close look at 10 of the authentic, life-sized clay soldiers and their armor.

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 China’s First Emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, in his afterlife. After founding the first united China, Qin Shihuangdi 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 partnership with China Institute provides 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, the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau, and the Shaanxi Provincial Museum Association to present these artifacts here in the heart of Times Square.”

The exhibit contains three chronological exhibition stages. Upon entry, visitors first learn the history of the Qin Dynasty and the First Emperor’s rise to power, followed by the significance of the Terracotta Warriors, 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 and burial chamber gates, more than 200 additional artifacts and treasures are displayed, including a bronze ritual vessel “He” (water or wine container), a “Lai” Ding (cooking utensil), and gold pendants and ornaments. 

A bronze ritual vessel “He” (water or wine container). Qin dynasty

Terracotta soldier, Qin dynasty

Mingqi, Qin dynasty

Pottery duck, Qin dynasty

Gold pendant. Qin dynasty