PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Terracotta Warriors of the First Emperor, an immersive new adaptation of one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in modern time, is set to make its Northeast U.S. debut at The Franklin Institute in the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion and the Mandell Center beginning September 30, 2017. The exhibition marks the first time in 30 years the Terracotta Army will be on display in Philadelphia and features a rare collection of 10 life-size clay warriors discovered at the burial complex of China's First Emperor Qin Shihuangdi, as well as significant artifacts from the site on loan from the People's Republic of China.

Developed by The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, in collaboration and partnership with Seattle's Pacific Science Center, Terracotta Warriors of the First Emperor is unprecedented in its particular focus on the science and technology surrounding the burial and the artifacts. The exhibition was developed in part by a team of science and exhibit experts at The Franklin Institute, led by President & CEO Larry Dubinski, who extensively researched the terracotta excavations, including travels to China to tour the burial site and the formation of key relationships with China officials.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Ten terracotta figures from the burial complex are individually displayed in the exhibition: a general, an armored officer, a kneeling archer, a standing archer, an armored soldier, a cavalryman, a saddled horse, a charioteer, a civil official, and a kneeling musician. Over 160 other artifacts from the pre-Qin, Qin, and Han dynasties complement the figures—including weapons, jade pieces, bronze bells, ceremonial vessels, gold ornaments, coins, architectural pieces, and ornate bronze chariot replicas. Through interactive components and multimedia pieces, the exhibit transports visitors to the excavation site and brings the archaeological findings to life as a pathway for telling the larger story of the formation of a unified China, and the culture, craft, and science of one of history's most monumental endeavors.

TERRACOTTA WARRIORS AND AUGMENTED REALITY

The Franklin Institute is enhancing the exhibit using augmented reality to uncover even more about the archaeology, history, and science behind discovery, preservation, and decay of the warriors and artifacts. The Enhancing Views of History: Terracotta Warriors and Augmented Reality experience has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

TERRACOTTA ARMY RESTORATION

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is the Associate Sponsor of Terracotta Warriors of the First Emperor in Philadelphia. In 2000, Janssen began a collaboration with the Emperor Qin's Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xian, China, to help preserve and protect the historical and cultural treasure by providing anti-fungal treatment, resources, and training. The collaboration between Janssen and the Museum of the Terracotta Warrior created a precedent of using modern medical technology to restore ancient artifacts.

Tickets are now on sale for Terracotta Warriors of the First Emperor, September 30, 2017-March 4, 2018 at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. For more information: https://www.fi.edu/exhibit/terracotta-warriors. High-resolution photos and exhibit b-roll is now available using the password: presspass at https://www.fi.edu/press-room/presskits/terracotta-warriors-of-the-last-emperor.

THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in the field of science and technology learning, as well as a dynamic center of activity. Pennsylvania's most visited museum, it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education. For more information, visit www.fi.edu and follow The Franklin Institute on Twitter @TheFranklin and Instagram @FranklinInstitute, hashtag #franklininstitute.

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SOURCE The Franklin Institute