History comes alive! Witness a Renaissance battle play out across royal tapestries before coming face to face with the very arms and armor they depict.

During the Renaissance, monumental tapestries served as immersive and elaborate tools for dynamic storytelling, political propaganda, and the depiction of history. Knights in Shining Armor: The Pavia Tapestries offers an unprecedented look at some of the most awe-inspiring examples of these dynamic textile compositions, enhanced by the addition of full suits of intricate parade armor and stunning ceremonial weapons from the 16th century.

This cycle of seven lavish weavings has been fully restored to its original glory and depicts scenes from the famed Battle of Pavia, a decisive victory in 1525 where the army of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V defeated King Francis I of France. Paired with an impressive selection of arms and armor, these monumental tapestries draw viewers into the world of Renaissance history, fashion, and military technology.

The tapestries were designed by court artist Bernard van Orley and woven in Brussels by Willem and Jan Dermoyen using deep, saturated hues with exquisite details highlighted in gold. Each scene measures approximately 28 feet wide and 14 feet high and is packed with nearly life-size figures, all manner of weaponry, and horses in full battle regalia. These enthralling narratives show key moments from the battle and are set against scenic depictions of the countryside around the besieged northern Italian city of Pavia. Knights in Shining Armor: The Pavia Tapestries marks the first time these works have been shown together in the United States.

This exhibition is located on the street level of the Law Building.

Knights in Shining Armor: The Pavia Tapestries Related Events

March 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2025
Saturday Members Tour | "Knights in Shining Armor"
1 p.m.-2 p.m.
MFAH members are invited to enjoy an inside look at the exhibition Knights in Shining Armor: The Pavia Tapestries.

March 10-14, 2025
Spring Break Art-Making at the Museum
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Join the family fun! Drop in to explore the art on view and experiment with new materials, tools, and processes to create your own works of art.

March 20 and 27, 2025
Drop-in Tour | "Knights in Shining Armor"
1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
This tour highlights the exhibition Knights in Shining Armor: The Pavia Tapestries, which offers an unprecedented look at some of the most awe-inspiring examples of these dynamic textile compositions, enhanced by the addition of full suits of intricate parade armor and stunning ceremonial weapons from the 16th century.

April 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2025
May 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2025
Drop-in Tour | "Knights in Shining Armor"
1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
This tour highlights the exhibition Knights in Shining Armor: The Pavia Tapestries, which offers an unprecedented look at some of the most awe-inspiring examples of these dynamic textile compositions, enhanced by the addition of full suits of intricate parade armor and stunning ceremonial weapons from the 16th century.

May 11, 2025
Lecture | Titian and Michelangelo: A Tale of Genius and Rivalry
2 p.m.-3 p.m.
In conjunction with the exhibition Knights in Shining Armor: The Pavia Tapestries, William E. Wallace discusses his new book, Titian and Michelangelo: A Tale of Genius and Rivalry.

Date: Through May 26, 2025

Time:
Sunday: 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday: Closed (Open March 10, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Spring Break)
Tuesday: Closed (Open March 11, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Spring Break)
Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Location:
Caroline Wiess Law Building,
1001 Bissonnet,
Houston, TX 77005.

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