2024 Arms and Armor: Evolution and Innovation (Weapons and Armor From Around the World are Displayed Side-By-Side)NEW

‘Arms and Armor’ brings together historical weaponry and natural history specimens to highlight parallels between combat in the human and natural worlds.

The diabolical ironclad beetle can withstand a force 39 thousand times its own body weight. In what ways does this tiny beetle inspire modern engineers? That question is one of many explored in the exhibition Arms and Armor: Evolution and Innovation.

Throughout the ages, weapons and armor have evolved in response to the pressures of ecological competition and human warfare. “Arms and Armor” explores parallels in the ways natural selection and human innovation influence the shape, composition, and function of structures ranging from turtle shells to chain mail.

Weapons and armor from around the world are displayed side-by-side with natural history specimens such as taxidermy, skeletons, and fossils. Rather than being grouped culturally or taxonomically, objects are arranged by shared function.

One prevalent example is segmented armor which provides lightweight, flexible protection and has arisen hundreds of times in the animal world in species ranging from centipedes to armadillos. Japanese samurai developed a similar style of armor, using overlapping bands of lacquer-plated metal. Heavier plate armor provides better protection but limits movement. In the exhibition, this paradigm is exemplified by juxtaposing the bony plate armor of the giant, extinct fish Dunkleosteus with the steel suits of armor worn by knights during the Middle Ages.

In terms of protecting ourselves from threats, there are incredible connections between human innovation and animal evolution throughout history. This exhibition highlights those parallels with profoundly captivating objects, from 17th century dueling swords to the jaws of Tyrannosaurus rex.

The objects on view come from the Bruce Museum collection, as well as loans from the Worcester Art Museum (Worchester, Massachusetts), Stamford Museum & Nature Center (Stamford, Connecticut), Yale Peabody Museum (New Haven, Connecticut) and private collectors.

Samurai Helmet - Edo Period, Japan - Bruce Museum Collection. Gift of Mrs. Matthew E. Hanna. Photo by Paul Mutino

Upcoming Exhibition
March 7, 2024 - August 11, 2024

Time
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Days: Tue - Sun

Location
Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr, Greenwich, CT 06830