Medieval Power Exhibition at Brisbane Musuem

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Fri 11 Dec 2015 - Sun 10 Apr 2016

The and Exhibitions/Exhibitions/2015/12/Medieval Power#.VqxHY0VknCQ Medieval Power Symbols & Splendour Exhibition has loads of extravagant and stunning pieces to see and learn about, brought to Queensland from the British Museum.



You will see precious gold, jewellery, seals, sculptures, stained glass and many other symbols of courtly life alongside tools of war, objects of religious significance and humble items from everyday life dating back to AD 400. Because of this there is strictly no photography, food or drinks allowed in the exhibit.

It's amazing to think that many of these items are around 1000 years old or more - they have been preserved so well and the craftsmanship and quality still stands out. Even some items which were found in burial sites retained their colour and detail - such was the talent of the time.



Spanning the period AD 400 to 1500, the exhibition explores a time when many of the countries and cultures of modern Europe were created. I remember studying the medieval era during school and it was surprising how much came back to me when looking at these incredible pieces.

The exhibition runs until 10 April 2016 and it is well worth a visit. History was always my favorite subject at school and I loved seeing families with kids of all ages taking an interest in each piece and discussing with their parents and family. Seeing the pieces and reading about them is fascinating and I learned a few new things in the process.



For the kids they have A Knights Quest quiz to keep them entertained where they have to find and answer questions as they walk around, and there is a table of kids' books and a chess set too. Plus outside there is a wonderful castle where kids (and adults) can colour and draw and make crowns.

I wonder if in 1000 years there will be an exhibition about right now - perhaps just displays of iPhones, headphones, FitBits and Instagram images sadly. That is why exhibitions like this are so important to preserve history.



The pieces are truly extravagant - the carvings are just stunning and the detail is incredible - and often on just everyday items like paving stones and drink bottles.

There are many pieces which are carved from ivory - this is of course debated extensively and nowadays morally wrong, but you cannot deny the beauty of these medieval pieces.

One of the most interesting displays is the iconic Lewis chessmen pieces, taken from one of the British Museum's most-visited collections. There is a video discussing this amazing find.





Included in the ticket price there are free talks and demonstrations on different topics such as Medieval Women, Medieval Fashion and Medicine & Diet. You can see the and Exhibitions/Exhibitions/2015/12/Medieval Power/Medieval Themed Weekends#.Vq0g_qSJL-Y dates and times here . The last demonstrations are 19 & 20 March and the theatre talk is daily at 12:30pm

Costs are: Adults $22, Children (3-15 years) $12 and Family (2A 2C) is $59 - there are concession and group tickets available too, see the and Exhibitions/Exhibitions/2015/12/Medieval Power#.Vq0hWaSJL-Z website for more details .

You can also see the exhibition at night complete with drinks, food and live entertainment and talks for $29, there are two dates remaining 26 Feb and 8 April. I would love to do this, if I lived in Brisbane. and Exhibitions/Events/2015/12/Medieval Power After Dark#.Vq0lx6SJL-Y Find out more here .



As usual you exit through the gift shop and there are some amusing and excellent items. I would have loved the horn drinking cup if my budget had allowed, however being a writer I thought a medieval (ball point) quill would be perfect.

#art
#exhibitions
#family
#history
#museums
#december
#january
#february
#march
!date 11/12/2015 -- 10/04/2016
%wnbrisbane