Knights at the Columbus Museum of Art? Yes! Check out the Renaissance Festival Saturday
If you can't wait for the Ohio Renaissance Festival to get started in September, or if you've always wanted to see some knights wandering the halls of the Columbus Museum of Art, head there on Saturday for the Renaissance Festival at the museum.
The celebration was inspired by the new special exhibit at the museum, “Raphael — the Power of Renaissance Images: The Dresden Tapestries and Their Impact.”
“The idea was basically Raphael is a great Renaissance artist, so why not bring the Ren Fest to CMA?” said Amanda Kepner, the senior manager for institutional processes at the museum.
“Some people feel intimidated about visiting an art museum — they may not know what to do or if they will have fun, but this is definitely going to be fun, so hopefully it gives anyone who may be hesitating that extra boost to join us and check it all out. Plus, CMA wants to be a fun place where families and friends can come together and make memories and we look for all kinds of opportunities to make that happen,” she said.
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“This is the first time that we've done something to this scale," said Cheryl Bucholtz, marketing director for the Ohio Renaissance Festival. "We worked with the Cincinnati Museum Center before on a couple special events, but it may have been just sending the queen out for an appearance, or incorporating some characters. We're very excited that the Columbus Museum of Art reached out to us, and I think it will be a very good collaboration.”
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Guests can expect to see Queen Elizabeth in a procession and performing knighting ceremonies, a handful of vendors selling goods, various characters wandering the museum and interacting with guests, and interactive activities such as dancing. Some of the museum's staff will also be dressed in costume for the day.
“Mostly, I am looking forward to seeing lots of visitors enjoying the museum,” Kepner said. “Nothing is more exciting than seeing people having fun at a place I love so much.”
Where and when is the event taking place?
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St.
How much is admission?
• $18, or $9 for those 60 and older, students 18 and older and kids 4 to 17; free for kids 3 and younger and for museum members; admission to the "Raphael" exhibit is $10.
Do I need to get a ticket in advance?
• No, but it's recommended.
Are there are discounts?
• Yes! Admission is buy one, get one free for those wearing Renaissance-themed costumes, for both admission to the museum and to the special "Raphael" tapestries exhibit.
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What kind of costumes are encouraged?
• Puffy shirts, peasant skirts, vests, crowns and pointy shoes
What costume elements are prohibited?
• Items worn on the back (backpacks, child carriers and costume elements such as fairy wings); items that can cause touch or trip hazards (including selfie sticks, umbrellas and “implements of magic”); weapons of all sorts (including firearms, axes, swords and maces); wings, wands and staves.
Is this a kid-friendly event?
• Absolutely! An improv group will work with kids to create a story, a puppet maker will be offering a make it-take it activity (possibly with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme), and the interactive galleries at the Center for Creativity will be open.
What if I get hungry?
• The museum's Schokko Cafe will be open, and guests are welcome to take lunch to enjoy in the museum's garden.
What about parking?
• Parking is available in the lot north of the museum for $5, or free for members. On weekends, free parking is available nearby at the State Auto Insurance employee parking lot. See the museum website for more information: https://bit.ly/3vNuxXo
Where can I find out more?
• 614-221-6801, www.columbusmuseum.org
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Museum of Art hosting Ohio Renaissance Festival
