and inter-faith relations feature prominently in the national consciousness, the British Library, as a cultural institution of world importance, wanted to present and exhibition that contributed to a greater understanding of the three Abrahamic faiths, their historic roots, and their significance in the world today in a perceptive and challenging way.
Sacred was the most ambitious and successful exhibition that the Library has presented to date, with over 200,000 visitors during its lifetime between April and September 2007. It was the culmination of many years of work involving a team of the Library’s expert curators and countless staff from many parts of the organisation. Throughout the project the Library also consulted widely with faith leaders, inter-faith network representatives and members of faith communities.
The exhibition showcased the world's finest examples of sacred texts on Judaism, Christianity and Islam, alongside an astonishing range of exhibits and related artefacts. Of the 216 items on display, 160 were from the British Library's collection and 56 were lent by other institutions and private lenders, many of which were exhibited in the UK for the first time. Items included a Dead Sea Scroll, a Qur'an written entirely in gold, and the world's oldest complete Bible.
The success of the learning programme for Sacred surpassed all expectations. Activities based around the broad theme of 'faith' took place on-site in London, were available online, and elements of the main exhibition were also taken to the regions through Sacred on Location, touring inside a Mongolian style yurt, to ensure as many young people and groups would benefit as possible. Over 12,000 young people and adults took part in workshops and events on site and around the country.
Sacred also proved to be the British Library’s most popular online exhibition to date, attracting 104,000 unique users from over 100 different countries. The website, online gallery, learning interactives and catalogue provide lasting legacy to the exhibition and provide a permanent resource that can be accessed and used by many future generations, in the UK and abroad, to aid learning and understanding of these three faiths.
Some of your comments:
The Sacred exhibition of religious literature and calligraphy from the 3 Abrahamic religions moved me greatly. It showed the unity in diversity of the texts from these three monotheistic faiths. The beauty of the exhibits impressed all who saw it and even unruly teenagers were hushed in the presence of these works of revelation.
Nasser Mashadi, London
I went to this exhibition thinking I would be better informed about the history of my (faltering) faith and the other religions 'of the book', as indeed I was to a greater extent than I anticipated and with the added bonus of the unexpected, the fascinating and the intriguing. What I did not anticipate was the beauty of the exhibition, its sensitivity and its relevance to issues of today. Above all I did not expect to be so moved - both saddened and uplifted.
John Mole, London
It is a wonderful place and has splendid and generally free exhibitions. Sacred was a superb exhibition and that alone would qualify the British Library to win. But as well as the special exhibitions, the permanent collection is wonderful, the public spaces most welcoming and it has all the facilities needed for study and interest.
Patricia, London
The Sacred exhibition was exceptional and beautifully arranged. It was encouraging to see so many visitors of different faiths studying all the ancient texts. Well done to everyone at The British Library for staging such a sympathetic exhibition.
S Jones, Beckenham
This was one of the best exhibitions I have ever visited. I went twice. It was very accessible and well presented. It gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation of these three great religions. All the exhibits were so beautiful.
June Webster, Watford
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