Terracotta Warriors Museum
Technicians and craftsmen have used the same techniques and skills to re-create the majority of the warriors for The Terracotta Warriors Museum, which form the highlight of the exhibition. The figures made in this way are in all respects identical to the originals having been made near the Emperor's tomb in the same clay and fired in the same way as the originals. The warriors stand up to 2 metres tall and weigh up to 300 kilograms.
The terracotta warriors featured on our display comprise of various types including crossbowmen, a charioteer, an officer and a general. The whole group of terracotta army is extremely impressive with audio programmes bring the discovery to life.
The terracotta army was discovered by accident in 1974 at Xian, in China, when local farmers digging a well broke into a pit containing 6000 life-size terracotta figures. Excavation in 1976 revealed two further pits both filled with terracotta warriors. On the eastern side of the tomb a number of small pits have been found containing the bones of horses and smaller size terracotta figures of grooms. Since then discoveries have continued to be made at the site and to date the remains of nearly 8000 terracotta figures have been recovered.
The terracotta warriors are unique. Not only are they life-size and individually modelled in clay, but the detail of the figures is astounding. Not only can we observe the construction of body armour of terracotta army, with even the heads of rivets standing out, but the soles of the shoes of the kneeling warriors are modelled with fine tread patterns. The hands and the heads of the terracotta warriors were made separately, and each head is reputed to be different and individual.
Although all the warriors were in the pits they had been buried in, many of them were in pieces and have had to be restored. The museum technicians and craftsmen who undertook this difficult task often had to remodel parts to restore areas of the figures that were too badly damaged to be reconstructed.
VISITIORS INFORMATION:
Situation:
Opening times:
All year daily, including Sundays, from 10.00am to 5.00pm (10.00am to 4.30pm November to March).
Closed 24-26 December inclusive.
| Admission Charges: |
| Adults |
£5.75 |
| Seniors |
£5.00 |
| Student |
£5.00 |
| Children |
£4.00 |
| Family (2ad+2ch) |
£18.00 |
| Children under 5 |
Free |
The Terracotta Warriors Museum is situated in the centre of Dorchester, at the lower end of High East Street. Dorchester is the historic county town of Dorset, and is famous for its museums. Dorchester is easily accessible by road, rail, and bus.
The Museum is pedestrian signposted from car parks.
Facilities:
The Terracotta Warriors Museum's Shop is stocked with a wide range of Chinese and Terracotta Warrior themed gifts and books.
The Museum is fully accessible to people using a wheelchair, with a temporary ramp to aid entrance and the remainder of the Museum being all on one level.
Car parking, restaurants & cafes, can all be found within a short walk of the Terracotta Warriors Museum.
School Visits:
The First Emperor of China, and ancient China, are featured in the National Curriculum making The Terracotta Warriors Museum an excellent resource for school parties.
For further details ask for a Schools Bulletin.
World Heritage Ltd
25 High West Street,
Dorchester,
Dorset DT1 1UW