Looking to get medieval? SMU is hosting a day at the Meadows Museum for families worthy of a Renaissance celebration. Best of all, it's completely free.
Kids can become medieval knights or princesses on April 21 for the Meadows Museum Family Day. Starting at 11 a.m. and lasting until 1 p.m., strolling troubadours, jesters, and dancers portrayed by SMU arts students will set the outdoor scene at the museum plaza and sculpture garden, along with acting students demonstrating medieval jousting. Falconers from American Hawking also will be on hand.
Inside the museum kids can create knight and princess crafts, look for art treasures in a scavenger hunt and take a hands-on look at armor used by contemporary sword-fighters with Schola St. George Medieval and Renaissance Swordsmanship.
Family Day activities accompany the Meadows Museum exhibition “The Invention of Glory: Afonso V and the Pastrana Tapestries,” which includes four recently restored 14-by-35-foot tapestries. In delicate detail the 15th century tapestries depict life-sized royalty, knights, soldiers, and horses in full battle gear.
Children also can see the 15th century armor of Duarte de Almeida, the standard-bearer for King Afonso V of Portugal, who is depicted in Pastrana tapestries.
Parking is free inside the Meadows garage, and free treats for princesses and knights will be served, and Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe and Green House food trucks will be on hand, too.