Knights

Press release
For immediate release

KNIGHTS EXHIBITION

May 22 to October 19, 2025

An exceptional collection exploring the world of chivalry

(Montréal, May 21, 2025) – Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal’s Archaeology and History Complex, invites you to come meet one of medieval history’s most iconic figures. Knights is an international exhibition that brings together close to 250 objects bearing witness to the influence that knights, and their legacy, have had down through the centuries. It highlights the prestigious collection of weaponry and armour from the Stibbert Museum, providing unique insight into the significance of the knighthood during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period, in addition to showcasing the exceptional expertise of the artisans of these eras.

“This exhibition is the result of a valued collaboration with the Stibbert Museum in Florence (Italy), while also benefitting from the collaboration of the Musée Cluny - Musée national du Moyen Âge and the Musées de Châlons-en-Champagne, which have allowed us to breathe new life into an iconic figure of both history and the collective imagination: the knight. Thanks to these invaluable collections, the public will have an opportunity to appreciate the full breadth of the beauty and finesse of the art of chivalry. This foray into the societies of this era will also provide a better understanding of the origin of the titles of nobility bestowed upon certain Montrealers who have left their mark on the city’s history. Such is the case of the Knight Louis-Hector de Callière, whose name the Museum now bears.” – Anne Élisabeth Thibault, Executive Director, Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex.

A unique experiential zone!

In addition to the immersive exhibition design chronicling the evolution of a young knight, visitors will also get to enter a zone in which they can experience what it was like to be a knight, trying out pieces of equipment, gauging the weight of armour, wielding a sword, and taking on certain challenges worthy of the greatest medieval tournaments!

A famous copy of the Mona Lisa at the museum!

A unique piece will be on display in this exhibition: a veritable copy of Leonardo da Vinci’s original work, the Mona Lisa. Painted between 1600 and 1625 and housed at the Stibbert Museum, it is one of the most valuable reproductions of the painting, due to its faithfulness to the original.

The evolution of the figure of the knight and his legacy

The exhibition explores how knights were trained, their equipment, their code of honour, their role in military actions, and their evolution between the 12th and 16th centuries. Complete suits of armour, helmets, swords, and shields—some of the pieces on display are true masterpieces. The exhibition also examines how armour was crafted and how it has been elevated to the status of work of art.

While knights left the battlefield, their chivalrous spirit lived on, especially in tournaments and at court. The exhibition addresses “castle life,” exploring themes such as courtly love, the place women held in this masculine world, leisure activities, and religious aspects. Looking through this window into the daily lives of knights, visitors will get to explore authentic objects and acquire a better understanding of how chivalry has had an influence on society.

The image of the knight has spanned history to become ingrained in literature and legend. For centuries, knights dominated the battlefields and then became iconic figures of the court. Embodying an ideal built on a code of conduct and values, the knighthood has evolved over time, gradually transforming into an honorary title.

A room dedicated to the evolution of weapons and combat techniques offers a broader perspective on how chivalry has been transformed over the centuries down to the present day.

Knights – the book

Beautifully illustrated, this publication is a further immersion into the fascinating world of knights. A book that provides an in-depth exploration of the Stibbert Museum’s collection and its unique pieces steeped in history. (100 pages. Price: $24.95 + tax)

Complementing the exhibition

Guided Tours
The Museum is giving guided tours during which visitors can explore the exhibition and ask questions:
-Guided tours (20 min.) / every day (schedules at the reception counter)
-Private tours (50 min.) / upon reservation
-Visitor’s booklet for families

Lectures
The Museum is presenting a series of lectures relating to the exhibition:
-The Knight and his Era / Thursday, June 5 at 7 pm -The Evolving Image of the Knight, Past to Present / Thursday, September 18 at 7 pm -Knight of New France / Thursday, October 2 at 7 pm

Cultural Activities
On Sundays during the summer, enjoy free knight-related activities for the whole family. Activities include heraldry workshops, medieval storytelling, calligraphy, fencing, dance, music, and much more!
-Family Sundays / From July 6 to August 17, 1 pm to 4 pm

See the complete program on Pointe-à-Callière’s website.

Acknowledgements

The Knights exhibition is produced by Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal’s Archaeology and History Complex, in collaboration with the Stibbert Museum and Contemporanea Progetti. It is being presented by Desjardins – Caisse du Complexe Desjardins through a partnership with Air Canada Cargo, YUL-Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Tourisme Montréal, Hôtel InterContinental Montréal, and La Presse. The Museum sincerely thanks its lenders, sponsors, and partners.

About Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex

Inaugurated in 1992, on the city’s 350th anniversary, Pointe-à-Callière is today the largest archaeology museum in Canada and the busiest history museum in Montréal. Rising above a concentrated number of historic and archaeological sites of national significance—including the birthplace of Montréal—, the Museum has a mission to preserve its collections and to further knowledge, while showcasing and fostering an appreciation for Montréal’s archaeological and historical heritage. This mission is carried out through various activities focused on conservation, research, presentation, education, and inclusion, along with community initiatives benefiting both Montrealers and visitors to the city. Pointe-à-Callière, proud partner of the City of Montréal.

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Download the press kit / images of the exhibition

SOURCE: POINTE-À-CALLIÈRE, MONTRÉAL ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY COMPLEX
Katia Bouchard, Communications and Marketing Director
T: 514 872-9124 / [email protected]

Clémence Rampillon, Communications Project Manager
T: 514 872-2687 / [email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT:
Geneviève Harvey / 514 927-1525 / [email protected]