Archaeological Museum of Alicante — Attraction in Alicante

A Fascinating Journey into Ancient China: MARQ's Terracotta Warriors Exhibition

Visiting the Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ) and experiencing their current exhibit on the Terracotta Warriors was an unforgettable journey into the ancient world of China. From the moment I stepped into the museum, I was captivated by the rich history and cultural heritage on display.

The Terracotta Warriors exhibition at MARQ is a true marvel. The collection showcases over 100 original pieces from the iconic Terracotta Army, and it is the first time such a significant display has been presented for public viewing outside of China. This exclusive opportunity to witness these magnificent artifacts in person made the visit even more special.

The exhibition is thoughtfully curated, providing visitors with an immersive experience that transports them back in time to ancient China. The detailed explanations and audiovisual presentations offered valuable insights into the historical context and significance of the Terracotta Army. I was particularly impressed by the in-depth information provided about the Qin and Han Dynasties, enriching my understanding of this fascinating era.

The life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots stood proudly in perfect formation, just as they had done over two millennia ago. Each figure bore unique facial expressions, hairstyles, and headgear, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail of the ancient artisans. It was as if I had stepped into history itself.

One aspect that truly stood out was the inclusion of non-military terracotta figures, such as animal found in adjoining pits. This broader representation of ancient Chinese society added depth and authenticity to the exhibition, making it a comprehensive portrayal of the past.

Moreover, the museum's staff were knowledgeable and enthusiastic, providing helpful guidance and answering questions about the exhibit. Their passion for history and culture enhanced the overall experience and made the visit even more enjoyable. The downside was the tour guide radio system they provided didn't work well - either a lot of static or poor audio quality.

Overall, the MARQ's Terracotta Warriors exhibition is a cultural gem that should not be missed. It offers a captivating glimpse into ancient China, its emperors, and its rich cultural heritage. I left MARQ with a sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for the shared history of humanity. If you're in Alicante, don't miss this opportunity to travel through time and experience the marvels of the Terracotta Army firsthand. It's a journey you'll...

Ah, the MARQ Archaeological Museum of Alicante—a place where history comes alive… but only if you speak Spanish. Otherwise, you’re left staring at mysterious artifacts with no clue whether they’re ancient treasures or just leftovers from someone’s pottery class.

From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that MARQ follows a strict “No English Allowed” policy. Every single sign, every carefully crafted description, every grainy documentary video is exclusively in Spanish. Even the emergency exit signs get more linguistic diversity than the exhibits.

The collection itself is—how to put this politely?—minimalist. We have four broken pots, each accompanied by a detailed, poetic description about their historical importance… which, again, only Spanish speakers can appreciate. The rest of us just see cracked bowls and wonder if we accidentally walked into a kitchen renovation exhibit.

Then there are the five photo panels with protective glass, presumably there to safeguard these priceless JPEGs from the harsh glare of confused tourists. These images depict fascinating scenes from the past, but without an explanation, it’s basically a Neolithic Instagram feed—all vibes, no context.

And let’s talk about the videos! Museums around the world at least throw in subtitles or an English voiceover. But not MARQ! Here, prehistoric figures appear on screen and talk passionately about their way of life, but unless you’re fluent in ancient Iberian (or modern Spanish), you’re out of luck.

At this point, one starts to wonder: Is this a historical site or a social experiment? Did MARQ deliberately set out to create the only museum in Europe where English is an extinct language? A true archaeological marvel, indeed.

So, what’s the final verdict? If you’re looking for a deep dive into Spanish-only archaeology with minimal artifacts and a maximum sense of linguistic isolation, MARQ is the place for you. If you actually want to learn something and don’t speak Spanish, bring a Spanish-speaking friend—or just make up your own history as...

I'm giving 3 stars because the museum was a bit of a disappointment. The temporary exhibition of Qin and Han dynasties stole the show. It was beautifully presented with lights and backgrounds adding to the presented pieces. I was amazed and grateful that I could see such wonderful piece of history with my own eyes. But it was just that - temporary. At the end of the day what stays with the museum and represents it is the permanent exhibition, and honestly, it was nothing special. Nothing I haven't seen before in so many other museums with lots of old and broken tools, rocks, pieces of furniture and knick-knacks. And maybe I would've enjoyed it more if there had been English translations next to the presented pieces. If you don't speak Spanish, you may as well not go there because everything was provided in Spanish. I find it very rude and not inclusive at all, it takes the joy of visiting the place away from those who don't speak Spanish or aren't fluent enough to understand archeological details. If I pay for visiting the museum, then I want to be able to know what I'm looking at. Frankly, it's not the first museum in Spain that did not provide English translations. I will never understand why museums in such big cities cannot be bothered to give it a bit of an effort and have descriptions in Spanish and English. I left the place irritated and none the wiser. It only made me feel like a fool....