Forbidden Gardens

Full-scale statues at Forbidden Gardens in Katy, Texas.
Replica of the Emperor Qin's throne on display at Forbidden Gardens

Forbidden Gardens (Traditional Chinese: 紫禁花園；Simplified Chinese: 紫禁花园) was an outdoor museum of Chinese culture and history located at Texas Highway 99 and Franz Road in northern Katy, Greater Houston, Texas, USA. The museum was funded and opened by business man Ira Poon in 1996.[1] Forbidden Gardens closed in 2011.

Features and naming

Forbidden Gardens takes its name from two of its major features: A 1:20 scale model of the Forbidden City with hundreds of palace buildings and figurines under a 40,000-square-foot (3,700 m2) pavilion, and the small grounds for walking and viewing additional exhibits.

Additional exhibits include a detailed panorama of a scholarly retreat called Lodge of the Calming of the Heart, an outdoor array of 6,000 one-third scale soldiers and chariots from the Terracotta Army tomb of the first Emperor of Qin, an indoor panorama of a city called the Venice of China (Suzhou), and rooms exhibiting details of historical architecture and weapons.

Forbidden Gardens is unusual in that it is privately funded, displays extensive models made and shipped from China, and gives a unique view and experience of some of the most interesting times in Chinese history. It originally cost $40 million to construct and only 40 of the 80 acres (320,000 m2) Poon bought are currently being used. The Terracotta Army display is unique in that the statues are exposed to direct sunlight, unlike the sheltered originals, enabling excellent photography conditions.

Terracotta army reproduction in one-third scale.

Closure

It was announced that the Forbidden Gardens will close its doors on February 21, 2011, to make way for the Grand Parkway expansion.[2] Terracotta soldiers were offered on Craigslist for $100 a soldier, sparking media attention. The warriors were pulled off Craigslist on February 9, with a note explaining that excess demand made it necessary.[3]

External links

References

  1. ↑ Texas Traveler: Forbidden Gardens
  2. ↑ Bigger road means the closure of local museum
  3. ↑ Overwhelmed by Popular Demand, Forbidden Gardens Gives Up on Craigslist for Its Great Qin Dynasty Liquidation Sale
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Coordinates: 29°48′24″N 95°46′37″W / 29.80667°N 95.77694°W