90,000 already signed up to view China’s clay army
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
It won’t open until Sunday, but the High Museum of Art’s “The First Emperor: China’s Terracotta Army” already may qualify as a hit if its projected attendance numbers hold up.
Michael E. Shapiro, the High’s director, said Tuesday at a news conference that 90,000 people already have committed to coming to the exhibit, which runs through April 19.”Our visitors are going to experience the largest group of terra-cotta figures ever to travel to the United States as well as a number of very exciting recent discoveries such as the bronze waterbirds and the terra-cotta acrobats and musicians,” Shapiro said. “This will be truly a once-in-a-lifetime event here in Atlanta.”
VINO WONG/vwong@ajc.com
Former President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter visit ‘The First Emperor: China’s Terracotta Army’ for a private tour Tuesday.
• What: "The First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army."
• When: Sunday-April 19. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays; until 8 p.m. Thursdays; noon-5 p.m. Sundays
• Where: High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree St.
• Tickets: $18; $15, seniors and students with IDs; $11, children 6-17; free for members and children 5 and under.
• More info: 404-733-4444. www.high.org
THE EXHIBITS
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• Review: Splendid! • Photos: Exhbit opens | Sneak peek
• Full event info - Terracotta Army: 90,000 already signed up
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It already has attracted heavy-hitters. Former President Jimmy Carter, whose decision to normalize relations with China almost 30 years ago paved the way for cultural exchanges between the nations, was a featured speaker before the exhibition’s preview. He was joined by Zhou Wenzhong, Chinese ambassador to the United States, and several top Chinese officials and international media.
It’s one of the most highly anticipated exhibits in years in Atlanta and follows on the heels of the international acclaim brought by the Louvre exhibit at the High. It will coincide with “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs” at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center.
Patrons are coming from 43 states and a number of countries, including England, Sweden, Germany, Malaysia and Canada, Shapiro said.
What those visitors will see are the discoveries from the excavation of the tomb complex of Qin Shihuangdi, China’s first ruler. Reigning from 221 B.C. to 210 B.C., Qin built an underground burial site roughly the size of Manhattan with a terra-cotta army of horses, generals and entertainers. His goal: to rule in the afterlife.
The tomb complex, which had been forgotten, was rediscovered in 1974.
Carter normalized diplomatic relations with the Peoples Republic of China in January 1979. Two years later, he visited the country, including a trip to the burial ground where the warriors were being excavated.
His effort to bring the countries together, with the cooperation of Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, played a part in the cultural exchanges that exist today.
“I’m grateful for my small role,” he said.
Ambassador Zhou called the terra-cotta army the “crown jewel” of his nation and wished the High success on its run.
“The exhibition we are viewing today is a major event of cultural exchange between China and the United States,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of keeping diplomatic relations between the countries strong, especially in the global economy. Both nations should continue investment and trade as well as dialogue on Taiwan.
“In the complex and changing world of today, China and the United States face more prominent challenges and shoulder greater shared responsibilities,” he said.
