Medieval to Early Modern
Arms & Armor
Plate armor for horse and man, tournament garnitures of steel and gold, Japanese katana, and ceremonial weapons — among the finest arms and armor collections in the world.
Explore Arms & Armor from The Met — free, no account needed
Start Drifting — Arms & ArmorThe Metropolitan Museum of Art's Arms and Armor collection is widely regarded as one of the finest in the world, holding approximately 14,000 objects from the most important arms-producing centers of Europe, the Islamic world, and Asia. The collection spans the medieval period through the 19th century.
European highlights include complete field and tournament armors by the great Augsburg and Nuremberg workshops, decorated swords and rapiers by court smiths, and full equestrian armors for jousting. The Japanese collection — one of the most significant outside Japan — includes lacquered armor, swords (katana, wakizashi, and tachi), and elaborate fittings.
Museum Drift brings this three-dimensional collection to the screen — each piece shown with full attribution, date, culture, and medium.
What You'll Discover
European Plate Armor
Full field and tournament armors from the great German and Italian workshops — from late Gothic fluted armor of the 15th century to elaborate Renaissance parade pieces.
Japanese Katana & Armor
Lacquered laced armor (yoroi and dō-maru), curved swords (tachi and katana), and intricately decorated sword fittings — Japan's warrior culture in metal and lacquer.
Decorated Swords
European court swords with gilded hilts, inlaid blades, and etched surfaces — the intersection of metallurgy and artistic decoration at the highest level.
Arms of the Islamic World
Ottoman and Persian helmets, chainmail, decorated shields, and inlaid maces — the sophisticated arms traditions of the medieval and early modern Islamic world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What arms and armor does the Met Museum have?
The Met's collection includes approximately 14,000 objects: European plate armor, Japanese armor and katana, Mughal and Ottoman arms, decorated swords, firearms, tournament equipment, and helmets spanning the medieval period to the 19th century.
Can I view historical armor from the Met online?
Yes. Museum Drift streams public domain works from The Met's Arms & Armor department for free. Each piece is shown with its full date, culture, and medium.