Exhibitions
Past Exhibition: Frankenstein & Dracula
Gothic Monsters, Modern Science
Frankenstein & Dracula: Gothic Monsters, Modern Science explores the creation of two of history’s most memorable monsters. In honor of the bicentennial of the publication of Frankenstein, handwritten pages of Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking novel will be displayed alongside Bram Stoker’s personal notes for Dracula for the first time, accompanied by scientific and medical works from the 19th century to the present.
Documents on Display: James Joyce, My Favorite Hero(es)
The partner desk in the Rosenbach rare book library currently features books that inspired or were referenced in James Joyce’s literary endeavors. James Joyce: My Favorite Hero(es) features Virgil, Dante, and Shakespeare. Be sure not to miss the case on the mantle, which explains Joyce’s early interest in Homer.
Past Exhibition: Clever Criminals and Daring Detectives
Since the beginning of printing, readers have thrilled to true crime tales of highwaymen and murderers and the last words of executed criminals. This exhibition chases both criminal and detective characters across a wide historical landscape and offers the chance to test visitors’ own sleuthing skills.
Recent Acquisitions from the Bequest of Maurice Sendak
Beloved illustrator Maurice Sendak (1928-2012) was an avid book collector as well as creator, and bequeathed the Rosenbach more than 600 rare editions which enhance our collection in important ways. Through selected objects from this collection, Recent Acquisitions from the Bequest of Maurice Sendak will explore not only the literary and historical significance of these books but also why they were meaningful to their collector.
Past exhibition: The Art of Ownership: Bookplates and Book Collectors from 1480 to the Present
Bookplates and Book Collectors from 1480 to the Present
Presenting beautiful and curious specimens from five centuries of book ownership, from a 15th-century coat of arms to engravings inspired by Romantic artists, The Art of Ownership delves into the stories of these bookplates, the rare editions behind them, and the lives of the men and women who owned them.
Past exhibition: Freedom Train 1947-1949
Exhibiting America's Past to Shape America's Future
From 1947 to 1949, one of the most ambitious traveling exhibitions ever mounted toured the United States. Aimed at promoting “a greater appreciation of the blessings of American heritage” the Freedom Train brought 126 of the nation’s most iconic documents, from Columbus’s writing to the Bill of Rights to the World War II surrender, to 3.5 million people across America.
Past exhibition: Through the Camera Lens
The Photography of Charles Dodgson
An exhibition exploring the fascinating world of Victorian photography through the lens of Lewis Carroll himself.
Past exhibition: Down the Rabbit Hole
Celebrating 150 Years of Alice in Wonderland
The Rosenbach marks the 150th anniversary of this internationally beloved story in fantastic fashion. Follow us down the rabbit hole as we bring Wonderland to the heart of Philadelphia.
Past exhibition: Alice: The Manuscript
Past exhibition: Catholics in the New World
A Selection of 16th - 18th Century Texts
This installation presents 16th-18th century works from both sides of the Atlantic that document Catholics’ evolving relationship with the Americas