Ancient manuscripts on show at National Library

Take note – story published 6 years ago

An exhibition showcasing manuscripts from the 14th to the 20th century is on show at the fifth floor of the National Library of Latvia. "Times Reflected in Ancient Manuscripts" features more than 100 manuscripts of both old religious text alongside letters penned by Latvian literati as well as one of the oldest manuscripts of the Latvian anthem.

The exhibition is made up of just a few of the 26,000 manuscripts at the library archives.

Manuscript examples include sketches, sheet music, notes, letters, and books copied by hand.

One of the most interesting pieces is Ernest Dinsberg's 1836 catechism in miniature script with letters smaller than a millimeter. 

It also features handwritten poems penned by poet Knuts Skujenieks at a detention camp, along with Aivars Neibarts' scorched manuscript of poems saved by his wife after he died in a fire.

One of the two halls features 14th century manuscripts as well as handwriting in Old Slavic, Hebrew, Tibetan and even a Sinhalese palm leave manuscript that got here from Sri Lanka.

Read more about the exhibition and opening hours HERE. Entry is free.

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