How has humanity’s view of the plant and animal worlds changed over the centuries?

The exhibition Historia naturalis at the Klementinum Gallery will guide you through centuries of natural history knowledge via rare manuscripts, incunabula, and old prints from the 15th–18th centuries held by the National Library of the Czech Republic.

The exhibition is divided into thematic sections that explore individual fields of natural science—botany, zoology, mycology, entomology, and pomology—while also showing how perceptions and descriptions of these fields have evolved over time.

The exhibition pays special attention to the significance of illustration—from the symbolic images of the Middle Ages to the precise copperplate engravings of the early modern period. Botanical and zoological books were not only repositories of knowledge but also visually rich artifacts. Their pages depict species that are common today as well as those long extinct, along with fantastical creatures that reflect the imagination and cultural horizons of their time.

The exhibition will also be complemented by lectures that broaden our perspective on the historical exploration of nature, as well as an all-day event at Mariánské Square dedicated to nature conservation and sustainability. You can look forward to meeting organizations focused on environmental issues, as well as a large plant swap where you can find a new home for your green treasures.