Making the Book, Past and Present

Saturday, January 20, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, January 21, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, January 27, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, January 28, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, February 3, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, February 4, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, February 10, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, February 11, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, February 17, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, February 18, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, February 24, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, February 25, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, March 2, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, March 3, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, March 9, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, March 10, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, March 16, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, March 17, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, March 23, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, March 24, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, March 30, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, March 31, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, April 6, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, April 7, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, April 13, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, April 14, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, April 21, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, April 27, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, April 28, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, May 4, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, May 5, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, May 11, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, May 12, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, May 18, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, May 19, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, May 26, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, June 1, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, June 2, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, June 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, June 9, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, June 15, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, June 16, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, June 22, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, June 23, 2024 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Detail closeup of a volvelle, or moving piece in a medieval book. Text is printed in Latin and the moving piece shows the world and its horizon.
Main Library Gallery, University of Iowa Main Library

On display in the Main Library Gallery:

Making the Book, Past and Present explores the intersections of history, art, and practicality. What can we learn by placing books, materials, and makers from the Middle Ages through today in conversation with one another? Many techniques and materials common centuries ago still inspire contemporary book artists and bookbinders.  

Curated by Eric Ensley and Emily Martin, this exhibition features a global selection of rare historic books and modern book art. From medieval manuscripts and early modern works to recent book sculptures, pop-ups, and books that move, these Special Collections & Archives materials shown together make a visual feast representing the strong connection between books and makers past and present. 

MAIN LIBRARY GALLERY HOURS:

Monday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday: 1–5 p.m.
Sunday: 1–5 p.m.

Admission is always FREE. The exhibition will be open Jan. 16–June 28, 2024.
Please note that the Main Library Gallery will be closed on the following University of Iowa holidays during the spring: Memorial Day (May 27)

Because the Main Library Gallery is an educational space on campus, there may occasionally be classes visiting during open hours. Thank you for your understanding.

The easiest way to access the Main Library Gallery is via the north entrance of the Main Library. Find parking options here: lib.uiowa.edu/locations/main/parking 

View on UI Event Calendar