

Come face to face with one of the world’s greatest cultural treasures in this groundbreaking exhibition, only in Perth, Western Australia.
Location
Perth Cultural Centre, Perth / Boorloo
Dates
Ticket options
Exhibition entry
Standard | $30
Concession | $25
Junior (5 – 15) | $15
Junior (0 – 4) | Free
Family (2 Standard & up to 3 Junior) | $75
Season passes
Unlimited visits to this exhibition
Standard | $90
Concession | $75
School excursions
Facilitated and self-guided education experiences available
About this exhibition
Step into the extraordinary world of China’s first emperor Qin Shihuang, to explore his life, legacy, and afterlife.
Immerse yourself in cutting-edge technology and deepen your understanding of this remarkable chapter in human history, with more than 225 exceptional Chinese artefacts, including the warriors, appearing together globally for the first time.
Created by the WA Museum in collaboration with, Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Centre and the Emperor Qin Shihuang Mausoleum Museum and including some recently excavated pieces, this is the boldest museum exhibition ever held in Western Australia.
Content warning
The exhibition explores burial practices and beliefs about the afterlife in Ancient China; however, it does not contain human remains.
Exhibition overview
Across seven immersive exhibition zones, Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor transports you 2,000 years into the extraordinary world of Qin Shihuang, inviting new discovery of ancient life, imperial ambition, afterlife and enduring mystery.
More than 2,000 years ago, China was transformed as the Qin dynasty conquered the warring states and unified an empire. Enter the exhibition through a striking multimedia experience, immersing yourself in the time and place of the stories and objects to come.
Cultural relics found in the Shaanxi Province reveal the story of the Qin and Han rulers, and the systems that shaped their empires. Military strength, foreign connections, and sweeping reforms in governance, infrastructure, and standardisation created a new, unified nation.
Key objects: horse and chariot objects, ancient bronze vessels, palace tiles, coins
Beyond the Emperor’s ambitions, daily life in the Qin and Han dynasties was marked by artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural traditions. The tools of daily existence give clue to the sophistication of these societies, while music and ritual objects reveal the spiritual and creative lives of their people.
Key objects: bronze and pottery vessels, gilded belt hooks and official seals
For the rulers of ancient China, death was a continuation of life. Belief in an afterlife led to the construction of immense tombs, where rulers and elites were buried with everything they might need for eternity. Figures of warriors, attendants, and animals reflected the world of the living, while imperial mausolea encapsulated the height of luxury, technology, and artistry. The Qin and Han dynasties continued these traditions, with the grandest tombs reserved for emperors and elites.
Key objects: painted cavalry and infantry figures, miniature models, pottery animal figures, and rare golden artefacts
The largest and more ambitious imperial tomb complex ever built for a single ruler, Qin Shihuang’s mausoleum remains a site of ongoing discovery. A vast earthen pyramid marks the burial chamber, surrounded by an underground world designed to sustain the Emperor’s rule in the afterlife. Excavations have uncovered an elaborate pleasure garden with bronze waterbirds and musicians, alongside finely crafted chariots showcasing advanced bronze-working techniques.
Key objects: replica bronze chariots, bronze swan, and terracotta stable attendant
The centrepiece of the exhibition, life-sized terracotta warriors stand as protectors of the Emperor’s afterlife. These figures, each with unique facial features and carefully sculpted details, represent the military and administrative order of the Qin dynasty. Nearby, objects reveal the techniques used to construct them and the weapons they once wielded.
Key objects: general, officer, archer, cavalry, charioteer figures, armoured soldier, kneeling archer, solider, horse, weapons and stone armour
Qin Shihuang’s tomb chamber remains sealed, its secrets preserved beneath layers of earth. Ancient records describe rivers of mercury and celestial constellations, but no one knows what truly lies inside. A final digital experience will immerse you in this legend, leaving a sense of wonder at the mysteries that remain.
Planning your visit
A Legacy Worth Travelling For
Step into the world of emperors and warriors with Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor—then retreat to the luxury of Crown Hotels.
Book your stay and receive complimentary tickets to this landmark exhibition, where ancient power and timeless artistry meet.
Make it a staycation steeped in culture, or a getaway fit for a dynasty.
Limited packages available. T&Cs apply.
Frequently asked questions
This is the first time this collection of objects has been curated together. Nearly three quarters of the objects have never been seen in Australia and almost half have never left China. Coupled with all new immersive multimedia experiences, this exhibition is like no other Terracotta Warrior exhibition ever created.
Not even close! This exhibition is very different to what was displayed in both Victoria 2019, and Perth 2002. Only seven artefacts are common to the Victorian display and only one item is identical to the Perth 2002 display. This exhibition was designed and developed by the WA Museum, and all of the digital content is new, and bespoke.
The exhibition includes ten Terracotta Army figures - eight warriors, a seated attendant and a saddled horse. These are part of the more than 225 artefacts on display from China, many of which have never been seen in Australia before.
Ten is the maximum number of Terracotta figures that can be loaned internationally from China at any one time.
Yes. All the Terracotta figures in this exhibition are genuine ancient artefacts from China, on loan from Emperor Qin Shihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum. Additional artefacts in the exhibition are on loan from 17 other museums across China.
These life-sized sculptures were created over 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of China’s First Emperor, Qin Shihuang, and remain one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological discoveries. Like most warriors unearthed at the site, they were found in fragments and have been carefully reassembled by expert conservators.
The exhibition explores burial practices and beliefs about the afterlife in Ancient China; however, it does not contain human remains.
The exhibition draws on cutting-edge multimedia to create immersive experiences and interactive elements including learning activities and model objects.
Given the popularity of the exhibition, we want to ensure an enjoyable experience for all visitors. This means, managing the flow of visitors through the exhibition space.
Booking ahead is the best way to secure your preferred session time, as door sales may be limited.
You’re welcome to arrive anytime within your half hour session time. It is likely you will have to queue for a few minutes before entering the exhibition. We encourage you to arrive as early as possible within your half hour session time to limit queuing time.
You can book up to 50 tickets at a time online, depending on the availability of your desired session. If you are booking for a group of 20 or more, we offer discounted group pricing - however, this is currently only available by booking directly through our team. To access group pricing, please contact us via email at reception@museum.wa.gov.au or phone 1300 134 081.
Yes. Boola Bardip Fan, Super Fan and Friend Members enjoy discounted ticket pricing for the exhibition, Season Pass and selected public programs. To become a member, visit Membership.
A Season Pass allows you to return as often as you like to experience the exhibition in its full scale, at your own pace. Terms and conditions apply, such as the ticket is non-transferable and is subject to a fair use policy.
Yes, you can convert your standard or concession exhibition ticket into a Season Pass during your visit, just visit our friendly front of house staff. This option is only available on the day of your visit.
Session times cannot be changed on the day of your visit, so please choose a time that works best for you when booking.
If you are unexpectedly delayed, contact us on 1300 134 081 or email reception@museum.wa.gov.au as soon as possible. While changes cannot be guaranteed, our team will do their best to assist where space allows.
After purchasing your tickets, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a PDF attached. You can either print this at home or show the digital version on your phone at the exhibition entrance.
If you’ve purchased a Season Pass, you will still need to book a session time for each visit, and a ticket will be issued for that session. Just present that ticket (printed or digital) on arrival.
We recommend allowing at least one hour for your visit.
If you would like more time to explore, a Season Pass lets you return as often as you like throughout the exhibition, from 26 June 2025 – 22 February 2026.
Once you leave the exhibition to explore other parts of the WA Museum Boola Bardip or to go about the rest of your day, re-entry isn’t permitted, so we encourage you to plan your visit to enjoy the full experience.
If you need to step out briefly (for example, to use the bathroom), please speak to one of our friendly staff before exiting and they will assist with your re-entry.
There are no bathrooms within the exhibition itself, but our staff will be happy to direct you to the nearest facilities. Just ask any team member if you need assistance.
You’re welcome to explore the rest of the museum as well as the exhibition, however, you will need to also purchase a general admission ticket (unless you’re a Boola Bardip Fan, Super Fan or Friend Member).
If you purchase your exhibition and general admission tickets in the same transaction you will receive a 50% discount on your general admission ticket.
Yes, however flash photography, tripods or commercial photography is not permitted.
Please be mindful of other visitors when taking photos.
Commercial filming and photography is not permitted without seeking written approval from the WA Museum in advance. For further information visit our Media Centre or email media@museum.wa.gov.au
No, food and drink are not allowed inside the exhibition.
Information for educators
Venue hire
Unify guests for a once-in-a-dynasty opportunity to entertain among the Terracotta Warriors.
Transport your guests to the extraordinary world of China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuang, and explore his life, legacy, and afterlife. Our Terracotta Warriors exhibition and adjoining Level One foyer can be hired exclusively for your event subject to availability.*
Reach out to info@heydershears.com.au and turn your function into a legendary gathering.
*Exclusive hire not available on Friday evenings due to our weekly Jade Nights event, which is open to the public. Enquire now to check the availability of the Terracotta Warriors exhibition for your next event.