In a dual presentation of Chinese art and culture past and present, the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series at the National Gallery of Victoria presents China’s ancient terracotta warriors alongside a parallel exhibition of new works by one of the world’s most exciting contemporary artists, Cai Guo-Qiang.

Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality presents the Qin emperor’s terracotta warriors. Discovered in 1974 in China’s Shaanxi province, the terracotta warriors are regarded as one of the greatest archaeological finds of the twentieth century and widely described as the eighth wonder of the world.

Presented in parallel, Cai Guo-Qiang: The Transient Landscape sees contemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang create new art works inspired by his home country’s culture and its enduring philosophical traditions.

Members are invited to preview the exhibition before it opens to the public and learn more about the terracotta warriors and Cai Guo-Qiang’s contemporary response in an exclusive Members Introductory Curator Talk by Wayne Crothers, Senior Curator, Asian Art, NGV.

Separate tickets required for previews and talks.

Tickets for a second session of the Introductory Curator Talk on Saturday 25 May are available here.