The Eternal Army Awakens: Terracotta Warriors Return to Houston Museum of Natural Science with 110 New Discoveries
This fall, history steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight as the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) unveils World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century. Opening to the public on November 15, 2025, with an exclusive member preview on November 14, the exhibit brings an extraordinary collection of 110 newly unearthed artifacts from China’s Shaanxi Province to North America for the very first time.
At the heart of this immersive experience stand the legendary Terracotta Warriors—life-sized sculpted soldiers who have captivated the world since their accidental discovery in 1974 near the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. For many in Houston and beyond, this is more than just an exhibit. It’s a chance to walk among echoes of an ancient empire, now stirring once again from its slumber.
A Story That Spans Millennia
Presented in partnership with major cultural institutions across China and the U.S., including the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, and the Bowers Museum, the exhibition traces over 2,000 years of Chinese civilization, beginning as far back as 2300 BCE.
“This exhibit presents the latest archaeological discoveries that rewrote history,” said Dr. Dirk Van Tuerenhout, HMNS Curator of Anthropology. “China’s advanced civilization did not start where once thought it did. This is a story of over two millennia with kingdoms waxing and waning. It ends with the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. His mausoleum still stands, undisturbed. His army, and servants have awoken and await your visit.”
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Visitors will journey from the dawn of China’s early cities, like the 4,000-year-old walled settlement of Shimao, through the powerful Shang and Zhou dynasties, and into the revolutionary reign of the Qin dynasty. Along the way, they’ll encounter a dazzling array of artifacts—gold and jade ornaments, ceremonial bronze vessels, and elaborate horse fittings—all recovered from elite tombs that speak to the grandeur and complexity of ancient Chinese society.
The Silent Guardians Return
The exhibition’s centerpiece, of course, remains the Terracotta Army—a masterwork of funerary art meant to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. From kneeling archers to charioteers and generals, each warrior is meticulously rendered and utterly unique.
Attendees can view:
- Life-sized soldiers and horses from the Terracotta Army
- Half-sized bronze chariots
- Rare warrior types, including an entertainment figure made to amuse the emperor in the afterlife
- Stunning jade and gold treasures revealing ancient beliefs about death, royalty, and protection
And for the first time, Houstonians will also be introduced to newly discovered figures and artifacts that have only recently been unearthed thanks to ongoing excavations and advancements in archaeological technology in Shaanxi Province.
A Must-See Cultural Experience in Houston This Fall
For families, educators, travelers, and history buffs searching for “things to do in Houston this fall” or “cultural exhibits in the Museum District,” the World of the Terracotta Warriors exhibit offers a rare opportunity to witness internationally renowned archaeology right in the heart of the city.
Located at 5555 Hermann Park Drive, the Houston Museum of Natural Science continues to serve as one of the most visited museums in the country. This exhibit adds to its already robust lineup of attractions, including the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Burke Baker Planetarium, and Cockrell Butterfly Center.
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Whether you're marveling at the artistry of a 4,000-year-old bronze vessel or standing eye-to-eye with an eternal soldier, this exhibition is sure to spark wonder and curiosity in guests of all ages.
For exhibit details, ticket prices, and visiting information, head to hmns.org or call 713-639-4629.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for more fall happenings across the Greater Houston Area.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
