2023 - 2024

Visit the Clark Library to immerse yourself in our collection of maps of fictional places, maps that illustrate various genres, and important works from across the world. Some highlights include Middle-Earth, Westeros, and Winnie-the-Pooh’s 100 Aker Wood.

Feast your eyes on gastronomic representations in maps and atlases at the Clark Library. Join us to get a visual sampling of the geographies of food, drink, and agriculture of various cultures and time periods. We'll have on view maps of wine, cheese and other food production and growing areas as well as a few menus.

The Clark Library has an extensive collection of maps and atlases from the 16th century as well as several high quality reproductions of medieval mappa mundi (world maps) and portolan charts. Many of these visually exquisite maps are more art than map. We’ll have many important geographical works on display including Ortelius’s world atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (1570), which was one of the most popular books of its time and is considered by many to be the first modern atlas. 

Come explore captivating cartographic creations that unveil the artistry, aesthetics, and allure of mapmaking. Many of our maps are known more for their art than geography, with detailed illustrations ranging from the Renaissance to Art Deco. Please join us for this month’s student-curated open house to witness how maps transform into works of art.

Please join us to embark on a journey exploring vintage travel maps and guidebooks. Whether you seek adventure or serenity, this month’s student-curated open house will transport you across the globe. Third Thursday in the Clark Library is a themed open house that shares highlights from the Clark Library’s vast collection. View the current exhibit on display; peruse rare materials, large-format maps, and other treasures typically tucked away; and chat with our librarians. 

Hear ye, hear ye! Please join us for this month’s student-curated open house, where you can immerse yourself in the fascinating world of medieval maps from the Clark Library and additional U-M Library collections. From cathedrals to castles, wars and plagues, Islamic and European maps — there is a rich history and cultural heritage for all to explore!