Calgary

Game of Thrones tour: A look inside the Glenbow Museum's sword collection

The massive popularity of HBO's hit television series Game of Thrones has inspired a special behind-the-scenes tour at Calgary's Glenbow Museum of select artifacts from its extensive edged weapons collection.

Behind-the-scenes tour starts this week

Behind the scenes at Calgary's Glenbow Museum

10 years ago
Duration 3:26
The massive popularity of HBO's Game of Thrones has inspired a behind-the-scenes tour of the Glenbow Museum's edged weapons collection.

The massive popularity of HBO's hit television series Game of Thrones has inspired a special behind-the-scenes tour at Calgary's Glenbow Museum of select artifacts from its extensive edged weapons collection.

The museum has about 500 swords in its archives. Some were donated by collectors, and some came from individuals who used the swords or people whose ancestors used them.

The Glenbow Museum in Calgary has a sword exhibit inspired by Games of the Thrones. (HBO)

The Game of Swords tour will feature about 20 specially-selected swords. 

"It's a good opportunity to pull those out and let people see them," said Amy Chandler, tour guide and weapons expert.

Some swords on display include a massive bearing sword from the 15th century that is almost two metres long, a 400- year-old French swept hilt rapier and a pillow sword from the 1600s.

"The older swords are definitely more interesting than the newer one; there's more mysteries attached. You're trying to figure out what a mark means," said Chandler.

The Glenbow Museum is offering its Game of Swords tour from April 13-16 and April 27-30.