"Or Not to Be" at the Philadelphia Free Library
Details
We'll check out the exhibition "Or Not to Be" at the Philadelphia Free Library. From a blog on their website:
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s newest exhibition invites visitors to contemplate one of life’s most profound universal experiences through the lens of history, culture, and art. “Or Not To Be: Representations of Death in Special Collections,” brings together treasures from across the Free Library’s incredible Special Collections: the Rare Book Department, Print and Picture Collection, Map Collection, Children’s Literature Research Collection, the Edwin A. Fleisher Collection of Orchestral Music, and Sheet Music Collection. Together, these materials explore fundamental human questions: Why are we here? What does it all mean? What happens after death?
The exhibition reminds us that while death may be life’s greatest mystery, the human response to mortality through art, literature, music, and ritual reveals elements of our shared humanity across cultures and centuries. With “Or Not To Be: Representations of Death in Special Collections,” the library is offering visitors a dignified perspective, with fascinating insights into how different cultures across time have grappled with mortality. Visitors will discover rare books dating to the mid-18th century, international musical scores about grief, themed artwork, and manuscripts that reveal the diverse ways societies have understood and honored what Hamlet called “the undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveler returns.”
Admission is free!
Street parking in the neighborhood is available, but public transportation is probably a best bet.
AI summary
By Meetup
Exhibition on representations of death in Special Collections; for library visitors; outcome: discover rare books, musical scores, and art exploring mortality.
AI summary
By Meetup
Exhibition on representations of death in Special Collections; for library visitors; outcome: discover rare books, musical scores, and art exploring mortality.
