School groups are invited to explore one of the world’s most astonishing historical discoveries in China’s First Emperor and the Terracotta Warriors at Liverpool’s World Museum. 

World Museum

Source: Gareth Jones

World Museum Key Stage 1 performance.

Running from Friday 9th February until 28th October, the exhibition involves an extensive educational programme. 

Children will come face to face with formidable warriors discovered in China’s First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang’s burial site, a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Senior Education Manager, Jon Marrow said it offered a “really remarkable opportunity for children who in years to come will remember this school trip”. 

He added: “Our workshops and trails have been carefully designed to bring the warriors to life and give children a meaningful experience and an understanding and appreciation for the exceptional treasures of the exhibition.”

Immersive workshops

There are two workshops available for Primary school children, developed in partnership with local group Hope Street Ltd: 

  • Rise of the Warriors is a 30-minute play that transports its audience to Ancient China and is suitable for Key Stage 1 but also available to Key Stage 2 pupils. Led by actors, children will travel back in time, escape being captured by the First Emperor and witness the wonders of his Terracotta Warriors coming to life.
  • The Tiger of Qin is an archaeology workshop which will introduce KS2 pupils to the site where the Warriors were found. The group will become junior archaeologists, using  hands-on investigation and powers of deduction to consider what their discoveries reveal about this legendary man and his infamous army.

Creative director with Hope Street Ltd, Montserrat Gili said: “As a theatre director I have always been interested in what role the audience play, and in Rise of the Terracotta Warriors, the children are immersed in the adventure from the beginning by becoming characters in it. Thanks to a fantastic team of creatives, including original music and animation, and the participation of Pagoda Arts, we hope every child will have a memorable time.”

School groups will also have exclusive access to the exhibition at a reduced rate before opening hours on selected dates between 21st February and 2nd May.

The landmark exhibition 

China’s First Emperor and the Terracotta Warriors features more than 180 spectacular artefacts from museums across Shaanxi Province, more than half of which have never been on show in the UK before.

Showcasing objects from one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries, the exhibition spans almost 1,000 years of Chinese history; from the conflicts and chaos of the Warring States period, to the achievements and legacy of the Qin and Han dynasties. 

World Museum’s Terracotta Warriors exhibition will be a major part of Liverpool’s 2018 celebrations, marking a decade since the city held the title of European Capital of Culture 2008.

Teachers wanting more information or to book, should visit the education section of the museums site. 

Main image: A Key Stage 1 performance. Credit: Gareth Jones.