Audubon's Birds of America

Detail of White-Crowned Pigeon, from John James Audubon, The Birds of America (London, 1827-1838), Rare Book & Manuscript Library
On exhibit since Friday, May 10, 2013
John James Audubon's Birds of America appeared in 87 parts over a twelve year period (1827-38). It is known as a "double elephant folio" because of the enormous size of the paper on which it was printed and is considered one of nineteenth-century America's greatest works of art, natural history, and bookmaking.
A permanent exhibition case displays one volume of Penn's six volume set of the Birds, a gift of Edwin H. Vare, Jr. in 1957-59. The page opening from the volume on display is changed on the second Wednesday of every month.
Audubon exhibit case
Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, first floor (next to the east elevators)
3420 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Gallery hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm
Saturday and Sunday, by prior arrangement (215.898.7088 or kislak@pobox.upenn.edu)
Free and open to the public (please show photo ID at entrance).