Featuring more than 225 exceptional Chinese artefacts, including the warriors, the exhibition introduced Western Australian audiences to the life, legacy and afterlife of China’s First Emperor, Qin Shihuang.
For many, the exhibition was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to stand face-to-face with one of the world's greatest cultural treasures. For the WA Museum, it became a landmark moment, welcoming 323,223 visitors and becoming the most successful exhibition in Western Australian history.
Research commissioned by the WA Museum now helps to illustrate just how far its impact reached, with the exhibition generating almost $200 million in economic activity for Western Australia – including almost $72 million in direct economic impact.
These are impressive numbers, but they only tell part of the story, with the results also highlighting the important role major cultural experiences can play in supporting tourism and local business.
More than 93,000 visits came from people outside Perth, with visitors travelling from more than 26 countries and staying for an additional 73,000 nights. Locally, almost $4 million was spent and 189 local WA businesses engaged in the development and delivery of the exhibition throughout its run.
Lanterns of the Terracotta Warriors also extended the exhibition experience across the city, in partnership with the City of Perth. The exciting art installation gave visitors more ways to encounter the story of the warriors and helped build momentum around the exhibition, getting more people out and about in the city.
The exhibition also inspired curiosity and learning, reaching thousands of students, teachers and families, who engaged meaningfully in educational programming. Overall, Terracotta Warriors achieved an impressive 94% visitor satisfaction rating, reaching a broad and diverse audience.
Developed by the WA Museum in collaboration with the Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Centre and the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor has strengthened Western Australia’s international cultural relationships, demonstrating the value of major exhibitions in attracting visitors and creating shared cultural experiences.
From the depths of our hearts, we would like to thank everyone who visited, shared the exhibition and helped make Terracotta Warriors such a memorable experience. We also extend our thanks to our partners, sponsors and supporters for helping bring this remarkable exhibition to Western Australia.
Terracotta Warriors Highlights Report
Or watch the highlights reel.
