BROWARD COUNTY, FL - The Bienes Museum of the Modern Book will exhibit The Art of the Book: Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Bienes Book Donation from March 7 – May 29, 2019 at Main Library, 100 S Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
The exhibit recognizes the anniversary of the generous 1994 donation of philanthropist book collectors Dianne and Michael Bienes and features ten spectacular medieval manuscripts from the Bienes’ book donation, represented by rare fine-press facsimiles.
The manuscripts on display contain beautiful color illustrations, painstakingly illuminated with gold and silver leaf. Dating from the years 800-1500, the manuscripts include famous books such as the Book of Kells, the Kennicott Bible, the Duc de Berry’s Book of Hours, and the Alba Bible. In addition to the manuscripts, a reproduction of the Gutenberg Bible, the first Western book printed with moveable type, will be on display.
In December of 1994, Dianne and Michael Bienes generously donated their art book collection to the new Bienes Center for the Literary Arts. In addition to their financial support, which helped fund the construction of the Bienes Museum of the Modern Book (opened 1996), their gift of a core collection of 647 titles was an important first step in the long-term development of the Dianne and Michael Bienes Special Collections and Rare Book Library, which today totals over 15,000 titles.
The Art of the Book exhibit will conclude with closing reception at 6:30PM on Tuesday, May 28, 2019. A historical presentation will follow at 7PM in the Bienes Museum of the Modern Book Ceremonial Room on the sixth floor of Main Library. For questions about the exhibit or to RSVP for the closing reception, contact Erin Purdy at 954-357-7363 or EPURDY@broward.org.
About Broward County Libraries Division
Broward County Libraries Division, named 2015 Library of the Year by the Florida Library Association, was founded in 1974 and is the largest library system in Florida by square footage and one of the busiest, with more than 7.5 million walk-in customers visiting its 38 locations annually. Broward County Libraries Division provides convenient access to a full range of innovative and cost-effective services that satisfy the changing needs of the people of Broward County for information, education and recreation. Visit our website, Broward.org/Library, or follow Libraries on Facebook and Twitter
DATE: February 26, 2019
MEDIA CONTACT: Catherine McElrath
Libraries Division
EMAIL: cmcelrath@Broward.org
PHONE:954-357-7402