Presenting the wonders of early modern encyclopaedic collections in Leiden
- Date
- Thursday 27 February 2025
- Serie
- Museum Lab workshops
- Address
- Leiden University Special Collections
How did objects in early collections end up in museums?
Leiden University's rare books collection includes old books and manuscripts from the 16th century that show the beginning of categorizing objects. These items offer a glimpse into early collections, or "Wunderkammer." Many museums in Leiden, such as the Hortus Botanicus, Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, and Rijksmuseum Boerhaave, have roots in these collections of natural history and science. By studying these books and manuscripts, we can learn about how museums developed and what these objects can teach us about science. How do they connect to the history of the Hortus Botanicus and its Ambulacrum?
In this workshop, students will explore old collections of natural history in books and manuscripts. For the University’s 450th anniversary, they will create exhibits that offer a fresh perspective on these objects. In groups, students will make collage-style displays linking 4-5 historical objects to the Hortus Botanicus. These objects will be displayed again in an exhibition where nature, art, and science come together.