Defensive Display: Shields from The Met Collection

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave, 10028, New York City

July 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027

Shields have long been one of the most important and adaptable forms of personal defense, used by soldiers and rulers across many cultures and eras. This exhibition, drawing from The Met’s arms and armor collection, presents shields from around the world in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and historical contexts. While their main purpose was battlefield protection, many shields were also carefully decorated to project power, impress audiences, and intimidate opponents. Beyond war, shields played a role in ceremonies, state display, and even sporting events, where their bold designs helped create a striking visual presence. The exhibition explores the shield as both a practical defensive object and a symbol of status, examining how its construction, style, and decoration were shaped by regional and cultural traditions.