Exhibition: The Imprint of Civilization

Ancient Books from the Collections of the National Central Library, Taiwan

The collections of the National Central Library, Taiwan represent the rich and diverse scope of cultural and artistic heritage of the Southeast Asia region and serve as the source of the earliest knowledge of mankind. The unique exhibition, organized by the National Library of the CR in association with the National Central Library, Taiwan, features in detail the invention and history of the alphabet, paper, and printing, which are the fundamental milestones of the development of human civilization. Paper, in particular, has played a pivotal role in the development of books and the spread of knowledge from Antiquity to the Modern Era. The exhibition focuses on writing and printing in five thematic sections: “Do the Write Things,” “Highlights of the NCL’s Collections,” “The Encounter of East and West,” “Chasing Czech Traces in the Past,” and “Formosa and the Imprint of Civilization.” We are honored to share the fascinating history of books in ancient China and illustrate the crucial role that books have played in the history of human civilization. Through this exhibition, we hope to promote mutual understanding and appreciation between the people of the Czech Republic and Taiwan.

The exhibition is arranged in five thematic areas that give the visitors the opportunity to discover a great number of documents from the collections of both libraries as well as the historical context of establishing relations between both regions and contemporary reflection of their cultures with the aim to promote mutual understanding between the Czech Republic and Taiwan.

Opening ceremony >>
Catalogue of the exhibition >>

June 1, 2023, 5 pm Conference hall of the NL (1st floor)
Lecture by Michaela Pejčová (in English)
Collecting Chinese Art in Central Europe: From the Time of Rudolph II to the 21st Century. Video >>

June 1 - August 31, 2023
Klementinum, ground floor (gate A)
Mon - Fri 9 am - 7 pm (in the NL Opening Hours)
Admission to the exhibition for the NL registered users and those with a one-day Admission Ticket in the NL Opening Hours
NL readers entrance free