Chess pieces. (Photo: Wikipedia, Public Domain)

Based on our living standards, people in Middle Ages lived during hard times. You might think they had dreary lives, but this wasn’t the entire truth. All classes played games and had time for fun. Illuminated manuscripts from the period give a glimpse of the games people played (some are still played today). These games included board games, cards, dice, and sports games.

The Walters Art Museum is hosting the newest exhibit, Checkmate! Medieval People at Play, highlighting games from the Middle Ages. It features manuscripts illustrating these pastimes in art. According to the museum, “This exhibit explores a sense of whimsy and fun that is uniquely medieval yet remarkably relevant to us today”. 

Baltimore families have an opportunity to learn the origin of many games we play today. So check out this fascinating exhibit at the Walters Art Museum. The exhibit runs from 10am-5pm on Wednesday to Sunday through October 10, 2010. Enjoy your day!

The Walters Art Museum
600 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410)547-9000
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