Ever thought a bloody video game like DOOM would end up in a proper museum next to real swords and medieval armour? Yeah, didn’t think so either. But that’s exactly what’s happening this May in Leeds, where the Royal Armouries Museum is hosting a wild mash-up of brutal gaming and ancient history. It’s all part of a new exhibition called Welcome to the Dark Ages — and the star of the show? A massive medieval-style tapestry called the Slayeux Tapestry, inspired by the upcoming game DOOM: The Dark Ages.
This one’s for the fans who love a bit of old-school gore with their history — and maybe for a few parents dragged along by their teens who are secretly just as into it.
From Normandy to hellscapes: a tapestry of battles
If you’ve ever seen the Bayeux Tapestry, you’ll get the vibe straight away. It’s that long cloth covered in stitched scenes from the 1066 Norman Conquest, full of knights, horses, and a bit of old-school drama. The Slayeux Tapestry takes that idea and runs with it — right into the fiery chaos of DOOM.
Created by French artist Simon De Thuillières, the new tapestry is 11 metres long (basically the length of a double-decker bus) and tells the story of the DOOM Slayer battling across a medieval-inspired nightmare. It’s all swords, monsters, giant weapons, and chaos — but in the style of something you might see in a castle from 1,000 years ago.
Instead of noble kings and loyal knights, you’ve got demon-slaying and tech-fantasy warfare. It’s both ridiculous and brilliant.
So what’s DOOM: The Dark Ages actually about?
Glad you asked. DOOM: The Dark Ages is the next big chapter in the DOOM series, landing on 15 May 2025. But it’s not the sci-fi tech fest you might be expecting. This time, the game takes a sharp turn into a grim, medieval-style world. Think swords made from bones, fire-breathing creatures, and weapons that look like they were built by a blacksmith with anger issues.
Oh, and there’s a Shield Saw. Yes, a massive circular saw that doubles as a shield. You know, just in case slicing demons wasn’t cool enough on its own.
Big man, big weapon: a giant opens the show
To kick things off, the organisers went all in. Olivier Richters, better known as The Dutch Giant and the guy from Reacher, turned up in full DOOM Slayer gear to open the exhibition. And instead of scissors, he used that massive Shield Saw to cut the ribbon. Because why not?
It’s like the museum said, “Let’s open this with a bang” and someone just tossed them a chainsaw and a 7-foot bodybuilder.
Here’s what you’ll see if you go
If you’re anywhere near Leeds from 9 to 15 May, it’s worth popping in. The exhibition is free (yes, free), and it’s not just for gamers. Here’s what’s on display:
- The Slayeux Tapestry, which is massive and weirdly beautiful.
- Real medieval weapons and armour from the museum’s collection.
- Iconic weapons from DOOM: The Dark Ages, recreated in crazy detail.
- Concept art showing how real history inspired the game’s world.
It’s like a history lesson crashed into a game trailer — in a good way.
Why this matters (even if you’re not a gamer)
This kind of thing shows how far games have come. They’re not just about button-mashing anymore. They’re storytelling machines, borrowing from real history, art, and culture. A museum like the Royal Armouries teaming up with a game studio like Bethesda is proof that games are part of the bigger picture now — just like films, books, or paintings.
Plus, it’s fun. And let’s be honest, we could all use more fun in our museums.
Quick facts
- 📅 Exhibition runs: 9–15 May 2025
- 📍 Location: Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds
- 💰 Admission: Free
- 🎮 Game launch: DOOM: The Dark Ages comes out 15 May 2025
- 🕹️ Early access: 13 May 2025 if you pre-order
