Getty Museum Presents 'The Making of a Medieval Manuscript' Exhibition on Book Creation
The Facts
On July 27, 2026, the J. Paul Getty Museum announced 'The Making of a Medieval Manuscript,' an exhibition examining the production of manuscripts from about 500 to 1500. The exhibition opens Aug. 4, 2026, at the Getty Center in Los Angeles and runs through March 14, 2027. It features Christian manuscripts from Europe, Armenia, and Ethiopia, as well as objects of Jewish and Muslim origin. The show explores each stage of creation, from parchment making and writing to illumination and binding, with samples of tools and materials. Highlights include a manuscript with chess problems from the late 1300s and the richly illuminated Rothschild Pentateuch from 1296. Curated by Nancy Turner, the exhibition is an expanded version of earlier 'The Making of a Medieval Book' exhibitions from 1998, 2000, and 2003.
The Signal
For collectors and scholars, the exhibition offers insight into the craftsmanship behind medieval books, highlighting cultural and linguistic diversity. Two rotations, the second starting Nov. 24, broaden the display. The focus on materials—parchment, pigments, gold leaf—underscores the artistry and historical value of these objects.
- People: Timothy Potts, Nancy Turner
- Museums: Getty Museum
- Locations: Los Angeles
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