Exhibition Closing: Play and Pastimes in the Middle Ages, The J. Paul Getty Museum, Until 6 August 2023

Exhibition Closing

Play and Pastimes in the Middle Ages

May 16–August 6, 2023

The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, CA

Initial C: Gillion’s Sons Kneeling before the King of Cyprus (detail), from Romance of Gillion de Trazegnies, 1464, Lieven van Lathem. Tempera colors, gold, and ink, on parchment. Getty Museum, Ms. 111 (2013.46), fol. 105

Discover the lighter side of life in the Middle Ages through the surprising and engaging world of medieval games and leisure. The exhibition features dynamic images of play and explores the role of entertainment in the Middle Ages. Manuscript images capture the complex contests and pastimes that medieval people enjoyed, ranging from a light-hearted game of chess to the dangerous sport of jousting. Then as now, play was thoroughly woven into the fabric of society at every level.

Family-friendly activities in the gallery abound in this exhibition.

For more information, https://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/play/index.html