As a kid I watched the History Channel–voluntarily and with undue enthusiasm. So, I don’t think I really need to tell you about how I peed my pants when I found out that the Terra Cotta Warriors were going to be here in Indianapolis at The Children’s Museum.
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If you’re not equally excited, let me get you up to Wikipedia speed because this is big deal.
The Terra Cotta Warriors were part of the late third century BC Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s burial party. Apparently, Qin Shi Huang wasn’t too keen on going into the underworld alone because there were more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses. And all those guys were just hanging out underground for more than two thousand years until they were discovered in 1974 by some local farmers trying to dig a well.
That’s a lot of stuff in the dirt for a long time, but here’s what’s crazy cool: they’re life-sized, and they’re all unique. Mind. Blown.
The story is that molds were used for the major body parts, but additional clay and paint gave a special personality and flare to each of the warriors. Oh, and they were buried with real weapons. You can never be too prepared when you’re dead, right?
Now let’s remember that we’re talking about China, and the rules are that these Terra Cotta Warriors only leave the country once a year. Loosely translated that means The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis won in an international bid to bring the warriors to Indy. I said international, right? Because that’s insane.
I mean I knew our Children’s Museum was a big deal as far as children’s museums go, but turns out it’s punching at a higher weight class in the global museum scene than I realized. And as if it could get any better than just having these warriors within driving distance, The Children’s Museum is putting on a 21+ series.
Critical details for the Terra Cotta Warrior After Dark Series at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis:
- Dates: June 27, July 18 and August 22
- Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
- Ticket Price: $35
- Tickets Include: admission to the Terra Cotta Warriors, Take Me There®: China and Dinosphere® featuring Leonardo: The Mummified Dinosaur exhibits; hors d’oeuvres and one complimentary adult beverage
It’s my personal opinion that these tickets are a total steal–and you can buy yours right here.
I’ll be going and gaping over this exhibit with shameless enthusiasm and exploding with appreciation for our Children’s Museum for making it 100% awkward-free to visit without having a child in tow.
