First Look: the Terra Cotta Warrior Invasion

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Yesterday was the opening of “Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor” at the National Geographic Museum. A rare treat, the exhibit is on the final stop of a four-city US tour and closes on March 31, 2010.

Promotion for this visit has been going on since spring of this year. The hype is justifiable, however. This particular exhibit features the largest number of terra cotta figures to ever visit the US. Fifteen figures from the tomb of China’s First Emperor Qin Shihuangdi (221 B.C. – 210 B.C.) are in a magnificent display that spans two galleries ans 12,000 square feet.

I only had an hour this past Wednesday to visit – SmithGifford and NatGeo had a special invitation-only event for local bloggers and photographers. I was too busy shooting photographs to really absorb the whole experience, but I definitely will be heading back to soak it all in. It’s well worth the cost. And there’s a special offer for WeLoveDC readers as well – I’ll spill the beans after you browse some photos from that evening; you can decide for yourself if you want to go.

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The exhibit is ticketed and does not allow photography; tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, students, military personnel and NatGeo members, and $6 for kids ages 2-12. PIMCO Foundation, one of the show’s sponsors, is providing 200 free same-day tickets every Wednesday evening through the run of the exhibition. Those tickets are distributed at 5:30 p.m., two per person.

As a special bonus, WeLoveDC members can save $2 off their ticket price. Simply use the promo code “TCWFBK.”

The National Geographic Museum is located at 1145 17th St. NW.

All photos are the author’s; you can see the full gallery (with over 90 photos) on my Flickr page.

Having lived in the DC area for ten years, Ben still loves to wander the city with his wife, shooting lots of photos and exploring all the latest exhibits and galleries. A certified hockey fanatic, he spends some time debating the Washington Capitals club with friends – but everyone knows of his three decade love affair with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

A professional writer, gamer, photographer, and Lego enthusiast, Ben remains captivated by DC and doesn’t plan on leaving any time soon.

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