Beyer's book treasure: Lectures on collections and the art of healing in Frankfurt

Beyer's book treasure: Lectures on collections and the art of healing in Frankfurt

The exhibition "Beyer's Book Treasure. On Collecting and Donating before Senckenberg" is currently taking place in the Frankfurt am Main University Library. This is dedicated to the doctor, politician and book collector Johann Hartmann Beyer and shows the importance of his book foundation from 1624 as the cornerstone of the library. The exhibition, which runs until April 27, 2025, offers insights into recently rediscovered objects from Beyer's collection as well as details about his biography and the social context in 17th century Frankfurt. Puk University Library reports that the opening on February 13, 2025 opened with a panel discussion about dealing with large quantities of books.

The opening of the exhibition marks the beginning of an extensive supporting program that features lectures and guided tours. On March 20, 2025, Frank Fürbeth from Goethe University will give a lecture on Johann Hartmann Beyer's book collection in the historical context of Frankfurt's private libraries. In his lecture he will shed light on the motivations for collecting books and will discuss the private collections in Frankfurt during the 16th century. Frankfurt University Library adds that Fürbeth will also introduce Claus Stalburg, Adolf von Glauburg and Johann Hartmann Beyer himself.

Lectures and guided tours

On April 3, 2025, Andrea Baldan, also from Goethe University, will give a lecture on Antonio Magliabechi, who lived from 1633 to 1714. Baldan will cover the founding of the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze, one of the first public libraries in Italy, based on Magliabechi's extensive book collection of around 30,000 volumes, including almost 3,000 manuscripts. His contribution to scientific communication and the history of public libraries is also discussed.

Finally, on April 10, 2025, Jana Schreiber from the Philipps University of Marburg will provide insights into the role of the Frankfurt barbers' guild in the early modern period. The barbers of this time were heavily involved in the city's medical duties, which created an interesting competitive situation. The lectures begin at 7 p.m. in the reading room on the 2nd floor of the Central Library. Admission is free and registration is not required.

Opening times and exhibition

The exhibition itself is open Tuesday to Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The library remains closed on Mondays. The responsible curator of the exhibition is Jan Habermehl from Goethe University. Visitors have the chance to learn a lot about the development of library history, from the first book collections in ancient Egypt to the most modern library formats. Further information on the development of libraries over the centuries can be found at Wikipedia to find.

The Frankfurt University Library and its exhibition about Johann Hartmann Beyer not only want to convey knowledge about historical collections, but also promote a dialogue about the importance of books and libraries in today's world.