
For the first time in more than 70 years, the Gutenberg Bible at the Library of Congress will be moved into a new display case specially designed for the artifact’s long-term conservation and to better showcase the iconic book.
To prepare for the new exhibit, the Gutenberg Bible will be taken off view Friday, Sept. 21, while the current case is removed. A new display case will be installed in late October, and the Bible will be placed in its new home in late November or early December, once environmental testing is complete.
An 11-foot-tall vertical case has been designed for the Gutenberg Bible to meet exact specifications for its long-term conservation. It will be kept at a consistent, cool temperature of 50 degrees and a consistent humidity to help preserve the 563-year-old book, according to Elmer Eusman, chief of the Library’s Conservation Division. The case also includes a new early warning system for fire prevention that will constantly monitor the air.
Frosted mirrors and illumination within the display will create a special effect, emphasizing the Bible in a new way. Resting on a small cradle, the Bible will appear as if it’s floating. The design is meant to celebrate the historic book. Exhibition text will be presented on one side of the case for visitors.
The new case will be located in the same area as the Bible’s previous display in the corridor off of the Great Hall of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building. The new case has been built by a vendor off site. It will be deconstructed, moved into the Library and rebuilt in this final location. Installation is scheduled for the week of Oct. 29.
A facsimile of the Bible will be on display while the systems in the new case are tested. A temporary display case will show a facsimile until the new case is installed.
The Gutenberg Bible is one of the treasures of the Library’s collection. It was printed by Johann Gutenberg, who developed the mechanical printing press, and was likely completed in 1455. The Gutenberg Bible was the first great book printed in Western Europe with movable type, marking a turning point in bookmaking, communication and the dissemination of knowledge. About 180 copies of the Gutenberg Bible were printed, and fewer than 50 survive today. Only 21 copies are complete.
The Library of Congress copy consists of three volumes printed on vellum, a fine parchment made from animal skins. It is one of only a few perfect vellum copies known to exist. The others are at the Bibliothèque Nationale in France and the British Library. For nearly five centuries, the Library’s copy was in the possession of the Benedictine Order at monasteries in Austria. It was purchased in 1930 by an act of Congress.
Comments (6)
Recently, a docent at the J. Pierpoint Morgan Library in NYC told my group that the Gutenberg Bible was first printed in 1451-1452. LOC is documenting 1455 for its specific copy or is LOC saying the first Gutenberg Bible was printed in 1455? Secondly, I understand the Nuernberg Chronicles (Lieber Kronikalum? sp?) was the first lavishly illustrated movable type book and it was printed first in 1493 and continued printing until about 1503 — can you confirm or correct my understanding? Lastly, I vaguely recall something I read ((perhaps in Barbara Tuchman’s “Stilwell: The American Experience in China”) that a Buddhist manuscript dated circa 880 is actually the first known manuscript created using movable type — can you confirm or correct or comment on this?
Thanks for your interest. Here’s more information on the Library’s Gutenberg Bible. It is one of only three perfect vellum copies known to exist. https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/bibles/the-gutenberg-bible.html
If you’re interested in more information, feel free to check in with our “Ask-a-Librarian” service at https://www.loc.gov/rr/askalib/
There is a wonderful and highly researched historical novel titled Gutenberg’s Apprentice by Alix Christie. Highly recommended.
Hello Brett,
Very interesting article about the new case for the extraordinary Gutenberg Bible.
Will there be an official ceremony when the Bible reintegrates the Exhibition Hall in a new case? i guess the transport and handling must be quite spectacular!
Would like to visit the Library again for this occasion! Isnt it a splendid excuse? ( especially if we come from far away !)
Thank you! We are looking forward to showing visitors the new exhibit case once the Bible is installed. At this point, there are no plans for a ceremony.
Could you update this article with a photo of the new exhibit case and display? Very interesting.