This is the first exhibition of its kind. Never before have these manuscript copies of the Chronicles of Cosmas been exhibited

PRAGUE - The National Library exhibits rare copies of the Chronicles of Cosmas on the anniversary of his death A unique exhibition of historical manuscripts commemorates 900 years since the death of the medieval chronicler Cosmas. The National Library in Prague's Klementinum today presented journalists with an extraordinary exhibition that for the first time in history gathers handwritten copies of the Czech Chronicle from various European collections. The exhibition will be open to the public from Thursday 25 September to Thursday 23 October.

Visitors will see original manuscripts dating from the 12th to 17th centuries. The most precious exhibits are the so-called Leipzig manuscript, which contains a depiction of Kosmas himself, and the previously unknown Šternberk manuscript from the early Baroque period, which was recently discovered in the National Library's collections.

"This is the first exhibition of its kind. Never before have these manuscripts been exhibited together in one place," said Tomáš Foltýn, director of the National Library, at the presentation ceremony. According to him, the loan of the documents was the result of long-term negotiations with several European institutions that preserve these historical texts. For example, libraries from Germany, Austria and Italy have lent the manuscripts.

Kosmas, a canon of the Prague chapter, wrote his Chronicle of the Bohemians at the beginning of the 12th century. The work, which charts Czech history from its mythical beginnings to the author's present day, became a key source of knowledge of medieval Czech history and influenced several generations of later chroniclers.

The exhibition is conceived in such a way as to present not only the text itself, but also the development of its reception and rewriting over the centuries. In addition to the original manuscripts, visitors will also see period illuminations, interactive digital transcriptions and expert commentary on the various versions of the chronicle. The exhibition will be accompanied by thematic lectures, guided tours and a programme for schools.

The curator of the exhibition, historian Eva Doležalová, pointed out the uniqueness of the occasion: 'This is a unique opportunity to see the most valuable manuscripts of Czech historiography live. After the exhibition, they will be returned to the archives, where they are usually inaccessible." The exhibition runs throughout the week, always Monday to Sunday from 10:00 - 18:00, admission subject to price list. Read more here

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