The Making of a Medieval Book

Exhibition
Manuscript illumination of a haloed figure sitting at a stand with writing implements in hand.

Saint Luke from the Irmengard Codex, shortly after 1053, German. Tempera colors, gold, and ink. Getty Museum, Ms. 125 (2023.6), fol. 3v

Books were written, decorated, and bound entirely by hand during the pre-modern era in Europe. This exhibition explores the four stages of making medieval books, from preparing animal skin to make parchment, to the methods and materials used for the subsequent phases of writing, painting, and binding. A selection of manuscripts from the Museum’s collection elucidates these steps and the techniques used.

This exhibition is presented in English and Spanish. Esta exposición se muestra en inglés y en español.

Aug 4, 2026–May 2, 2027

Getty Center

Museum West Pavilion, Lower Level

Free

All exhibitions are included in your free, timed-entry reservation to Getty. Reservations are available six weeks in advance. Please note, there is a fee for parking.

Plan your visit

Partners and Sponsors

Contact

Media Contact: Sidney Kantono

For press inquiries related to this exhibition, please email skantono@getty.edu