Further Details:
The Bowers Museum receives a sponsorship of $100,000 from The PIMCO Foundation to extend evening hours and cover the cost of admission on Friday evenings during the exhibition, Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor. To make the museum more accessible, PIMCO’s Free Friday Nights offers free admission to the exhibition for up to 100 visitors per hour at 4, 5, 6, and 7 pm, and the museum will stay open until 8 pm. In addition to seeing the famed terra cotta warriors, visitors can roam around the museum, and explore other special exhibitions and collections on view in the galleries, see a film in the auditorium, or purchase specialty drinks and dinner at Tangata Restaurant. Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor opens at the Bowers Museum on May 18, 2008 and runs through October 12, 2008.
“We are so thankful for The PIMCO Foundation’s generous support and helping the Bowers reach a wider constituency,” said Inez Wolins, V.P. of Development and Marketing of the Bowers Museum. “By extending evening hours, PIMCO’s Free Friday Nights allows a greater number of people to experience exhibitions at times that are more convenient. Fridays nights at the Bowers are now ideal for working adults to start their weekends, see great art, grab a drink, and meet new like-minded people.”
“It is a major tribute to the Bowers Museum, and almost unbelievable, that the terra cotta warriors will make their first U.S. stop right here in Orange County,” said Mark Porterfield, PIMCO Foundation Board Member. “This is one of the world’s most important exhibitions, and we wanted to make sure anyone interested in seeing it is given the opportunity.”
The highlight of the evening includes a chance to see Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor, which is the largest loan of terra cotta figures and significant artifacts to ever travel to the U.S. from the tomb complex of China’s First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the First Emperor’s enormous mausoleum features thousands of terra cotta warriors that were intended to protect him throughout eternity. Since their discovery, the terra cotta army has been termed the Eighth Wonder of the Ancient World, and the exhibition showcases 100 sets of objects, including 14 complete life-size terra cotta warriors.
In addition to visiting the galleries, Tangata Restaurant will offer museum-goers happy hour specials from 3 pm to 5 pm on the patio dining area of the Cleo and Margaret Key Courtyard. A variety of appetizers can be ordered as well as specialty drinks for $9, including the Asian Pear Martini, Emperor Champagne, Lichini, Chi-Chi, and Mandarintini. Visitors can also sit down for dinner from 5 pm to 8 pm in the restaurant and order various entrées from the menu like the grilled “Terra Cotta Warrior” rib eye or kurobuta (black hog) pork chops.
Throughout the run of Terra Cotta Warriors, museum patrons have the opportunity to explore other special exhibitions and permanent collections in the galleries. The following exhibitions are currently on view:
· GEMS! Colors of Light and Stone features a stunning assortment of gemstones from the Michael Scott Collection.
· Ancient Arts of China: A 5,000 Year Legacy portrays the evolution of Chinese technology, art, and culture.
· The First Californians explores the ways Native Californians used materials found in their natural environment to shape their various cultural identities.
· Missions and Ranchos illustrates the rich, diverse, and colorful history of the people who settled in the West Coast and Orange County.
· California: The Golden Years offers California history and geography through the museum’s spectacular collection of Plein Air and impressionist paintings.
After seeing the art on view, visitors can catch a documentary film every Friday evening at 6:30 PM in the Norma Kershaw Auditorium. Below is a complete schedule of films.
May 23, 2008
First Emperor of China
The first documentary footage of Qin Shi Huang’s life-size terra cotta army, constructed 2,200 years ago for his tomb. The imperial system he created has endured for thousands of years, proving to be the world’s most durable political structure. 42 min
May 30, 2008
The First Emperor
Based on the latest research and including location photography at key sites in China, this film sheds new light on the achievements, ambitions, and legacy of the enigmatic First Emperor of Chinaan emperor who wished to reign for all eternity. 40 min
June 6, 2008
Ancient China
Highlights of this film include dazzling graphic re-creations of a Chinese village from 7,000 years ago, the terra cotta army of the First Emperor, and Beijing’s Forbidden City. 50 min
June 13, 2008
Central China with Globe Trekker
Travel through central China with globe trekker Megan McCormick as she takes you on a journey beginning in Shanghai, on to Huangshan Mountain, and then along the Yangtze River to Chongqing, the home to the Three Gorges project, and on to Xi’an, one of the ancient capitals of China, and home to the terra cotta warriors. 60 min
June 20, 2008
A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China
World-famous artist David Hockney invites the viewer to join him on a magical journey down a 72-foot long legendary 17th century Chinese scroll, tracing Emperor Kangxi’s grand tour of his southern domains. Comparing the work with a Canaletto painting and a later Chinese scroll, Hockney spins a dazzling discourse on eastern and western perspective. 47 min
June 27, 2008
First Emperor of China
The first documentary footage of Qin Shi Huang’s life-size terra cotta army, constructed 2,200 years ago for his tomb. The imperial system he created has endured for thousands of years, proving to be the world’s most durable political structure. 42 min
July 11, 2008
The Dragon Peaks in Li River
This film brings the viewer to the Southern part of China in Shaanxi province. The tour begins in Guangzhou to the Li River in Yangshuo and on to Yumman’s capital, Kunming, and a day trip to the Stone Forest in Shilin. 30 min
July 18, 2008
The First Emperor
Based on the latest research and including location photography at key sites in China, this film sheds new light on the achievements, ambitions, and legacy of the enigmatic First Emperor of Chinaan emperor who wished to reign for all eternity. 40 min
July 25, 2008
Ancient China
Highlights of this film include dazzling graphic re-creations of a Chinese village from 7,000 years ago, the terra cotta army of the First Emperor, and Beijing’s Forbidden City. 50 min
August 1, 2008
Southwest and Southeast China with Globe Trekker
Traveler Justine Shapiro explores Southwest China, taking in the autonomous region of Guangxi and the provinces of Guizhou, Yunnam, and Sichuan. Zay Harding completes the tour, visiting the Southeast provinces of Guangzhou, Jiangxi, Fujian, and Hunan. 75 min
August 8, 2008
Ancient China
Highlights of this film include dazzling graphic re-creations of a Chinese village from 7,000 years ago, the terra cotta army of the First Emperor, and Beijing’s Forbidden City. 50 min
August 15, 2008
The Dragon Peaks in Li River
This film brings the viewer to the Southern part of China in Shaanxi province. The tour begins in Guangzhou to the Li River in Yangshuo and on to Yumman’s capital, Kunming, and a day trip to the Stone Forest in Shilin. 30 min
August 22, 2008
The First Emperor
Based on the latest research and including location photography at key sites in China, this film sheds new light on the achievements, ambitions, and legacy of the enigmatic First Emperor of Chinaan emperor who wished to reign for all eternity. 40 min
August 29, 2008
Central China with Globe Trekker
Travel through central China with globe trekker Megan McCormick as she takes you on a journey beginning in Shanghai, on to Huangshan Mountain, and then along the Yangtze River to Chongqing, the home to the Three Gorges project, and on to Xi’an, one of the ancient capitals of China, and home to the terra cotta warriors. 60 min
September 5, 2008
First Emperor of China
The first documentary footage of Qin Shi Huang’s life-size terra cotta army, constructed 2,200 years ago for his tomb. The imperial system he created has endured for thousands of years, proving to be the world’s most durable political structure. 42 min
September 12, 2008
Ancient China
Highlights of this film include dazzling graphic re-creations of a Chinese village from 7,000 years ago, the terra cotta army of the First Emperor, and Beijing’s Forbidden City. 50 min
September 26, 2008
Red Heroine with Devil Music Ensemble
This evening will feature a special performance in the auditorium.
October 3, 2008
Southwest and Southeast China with Globe Trekker
Traveler Justine Shapiro explores Southwest China, taking in the autonomous region of Guangxi and the provinces of Guizhou, Yunnam, and Sichuan. Zay Harding completes the tour, visiting the Southeast provinces of Guangzhou, Jiangxi, Fujian, and Hunan. 75 min
October 10, 2008
The First Emperor
Based on the latest research and including location photography at key sites in China, this film sheds new light on the achievements, ambitions, and legacy of the enigmatic First Emperor of Chinaan emperor who wished to reign for all eternity. 40 min
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