The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Venue Partner)
1000 Fifth Ave at 82nd St
212.535.7710
This event has passed.
-
“Chess Piece in the Form of a Queen,” ca. 1150–1200. Scandinavian, probably Norway, found on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, 1831. The British Museum, London. Image: © The Trustees of the British Museum. All rights reserved.
- When
-
Nov 15, 2011 – Apr 22
Daily
- Where
-
Directions: Main Building: Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street and walk to Fifth Avenue; OR take the M1, M2, M3, or M4 bus along Fifth Avenue. The Cloisters: Take the A train to 190th Street and walk, or transfer to the M4 bus and ride north one stop.
- Price
-
Free w/ admission
- Links
“You may remember the Lewis Chessmen from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. These chess pieces, dating from the twelfth century and carved from walrus ivory, were discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis off the west coast of Scotland amongst a trove of luxury goods. The Metropolitan Museum of Art brings over 30 of the world's most famous chessmen to the medieval setting of the Cloisters presented in the form of an endgame of a famous chess match at the center of the Romanesque Hall. While these are on loan from the British Museum, the Met brings out its own hoard of medieval chessmen to make this the most elaborate scene of bishops and queens you're likely to be around for a long time. Pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon at the Cloisters and Fort Tryon Park.”
Rozalia Jovanovic, Flavorpill
More than 30 of the world’s most famous chess pieces—all part of a hoard unearthed in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis, off the west coast of Scotland—are now on view at The Cloisters, the branch of the Met Museum dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. Created in the mid-12th century, probably in Scandinavia, each piece is a precious miniature sculpture in walrus ivory. The game of chess as we know it today is one of the great legacies of the Middle Ages, and the Lewis chess pieces, on loan from the British Museum, are among the earliest that include the full cast of characters found on modern boards.
