The exhibition presents a cross-section of botanical and zoological works from the 15th to the 18th century, including manuscripts, incunabula, and early printed books.
Since the very beginning of its development, human has been inextricably linked to nature, even if we often fail to acknowledge it. The survival of our species depended on obtaining food, clothing, and medicines; consequently, vital information about various natural phenomena, animals, and plants was passed down from generation to generation—a practice that continues to this day.
The exhibition at the Klementinum Gallery presents a selection of rare botanical and zoological works from the collections of the NL CR. Through historical herbals, natural history books, and their illustrations, it demonstrates how the ways in which people understood, observed, and depicted plants and animals evolved between the 15th and 18th centuries - shifting from medieval concepts of nature to the development of empirical observation. Works by prominent authors of the era have been preserved in monastic, private, and institutional libraries; their owners ranged from members of the scientific community and the aristocracy to the general public.
Several thematic sections provide a brief overview of significant advances in the field, accompanied by a wealth of illustrative material. The transition from woodcut illustrations in the earliest printed works to the hand-colored illustrated publications of the 18th century offers not only an aesthetic experience but also insight into the evolution of scientific illustration.
The program will also feature virtual exhibitions exploring, among other topics, the changing nature of how we study the natural world and the associated evolution of imaging techniques. These will be accessible both online and at the Klementinum Gallery. Visitors will be able to engage in interactive educational activities that allow them to step into the shoes of scientists and researchers from the past.
An art challenge for schools titled "Fragments of Nature" will be announced as early as September, with participation open throughout the autumn.
Accompanying programme
- As part of the accompanying program, visitors can attend a series of short afternoon lectures that build upon the exhibition’s themes, expanding on the content and placing it within a broader context.
- Historia naturalis at Marianské
October 23, 2026, 9:00 – 18:00 | Mariánské square
This all-day event aims to popularize contemporary environmental topics and complements the *Historia Naturalis* exhibition, which showcases botanical and zoological works from the 15th to the 18th centuries held in the collections of the National Library of the Czech Republic.
Visitors can learn about the work of participating organizations dedicated to nature conservation, sustainability, and related issues through information and educational booths.
The event also features a large plant swap, offering growers a chance to enrich their home or office plant collections. A self-service station will be available on-site, allowing participants to drop off, browse, exchange, and take home plants throughout the day.
