Lanterns of the Terracotta Warriors set to light up the city

• Eighty brightly coloured lanterns, representing China's Terracotta Warriors, will light up Forrest Place
• Lanterns were first seen at the Beijing Olympics in 2008
• Lanterns of the Terracotta Warriors' installation is an extension of WA Museum Boola Bardip's highly successful exhibition which has welcomed more than 160,000 visitors
• Demonstrates Cook Government's commitment to fostering a vibrant and creative economy which delivers a boost to local businesses

The Cook Government welcomes the Lanterns of the Terracotta Warriors installation, a stunning display of 80 brightly coloured lantern warriors set to light up the city across various locations until the end of February 2026.

On loan from the Beijing Chaoyang International Cultural Exchange Association in Beijing, and originally unveiled at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, the lanterns have captivated audiences around the world. They represent a stunning combination of Chinese lantern-making craftsmanship and the iconic Terracotta Warriors. The 80 lanterns are a representation of traditional armoured warriors, charioteers, soldiers and horses as well as civilians.

Part of a push by the Cook Government to expand our creative economy and deliver a boost to local business, the luminous display is a free installation that all Western Australians can enjoy. It will open in Forrest Place until 9 November before moving to Elizabeth Quay until 26 November and then onto WA Museum Boola Bardip in time for the Christmas Lights season.

The lanterns are jointly presented by the Western Australian Museum and the City of Perth as part of a partnership designed to 'paint the city Jade' in honour of the Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the first Emperorexhibition.

The Terracotta Warriors exhibition is now at the halfway mark. It stands to be the most successful exhibition hosted by the WA Museum to date, and the stunning silk lanterns add yet another dimension to this celebration of Chinese history, heritage and culture.

Further information about the lantern installation and the Terracotta Warriors exhibition can be found at visit.museum.wa.gov.au/boolabardip/whats-on

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"The hugely successful Terracotta Warriors exhibition is just another way my government is working to build a vibrant and creative community that all Western Australians can enjoy.

"It has brought WA international exposure, as well as strengthening international relationships - and the Lanterns of the Terracotta Warriors adds yet another dimension to this magnificent exhibition.

"The Terracotta Warriors and the lanterns reflect our commitment to diversifying our economy so it remains the strongest in the nation and boosting opportunities for local businesses."

Comments attributed to Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk:

"I'm pleased to see the City of Perth partnering with the WA Museum to provide this free exhibition that is open to everyone.

"Over 160,000 people have supported the Terracotta Warriors exhibition, which stands to be the most significant exhibition held at WA Museum Boola Bardip, and the lanterns will amplify its impact."