The Metropolitan Museum, which is located in the heart of New York, is not only famous for its artistic arsenal, but also impresses with a huge collection of weapons and armor. Founded in 1870 on the basis of three private collections, this place has become one of the largest art museums in the world.
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Currently, the museum fund of the Metropolitan Museum is more than 2 million exhibits, which cover 5000 years of history of human culture from all corners of the world. The collection of weapons includes more than 14,000 exhibits from different countries and eras. It demonstrates the development of military art throughout human history.
The first exhibits were purchased in 1881. In 1904, the museum acquired two large collections of European and Japanese weapons, and its collection quickly gained international recognition; In 1912, a separate department was created.
A large part of the Metropolitan Museum's weapons collection is from European culture, covering everything from medieval swords to Renaissance rifles and various types of armor. Thousands of different objects, which in the past served for attack and defense, testify to the diversity of cultures in different regions of the world.
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Among the exhibits are many items used by members of the royal blood, including the arms of King Henry VIII of England, King Henry II of France and Emperor Ferdinand I.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Weapons Collection demonstrates the evolution of military art on North American soil. Smith & Wesson and Colt revolvers, as well as decorative swords of the XVIII-XIX centuries, decorated with patterns by famous masters.
The collection of weapons of the Metropolitan Museum not only impresses with its variety and beauty, but also provides a unique opportunity to study various aspects of the military history and culture of different peoples. It serves not only as a source for research, but also as an inspiration to all who visit this majestic place.
metmuseum.org
Source: metmuseum.org
