The Newberry Library is a renowned cultural institution in Chicago, founded in 1887. It houses an impressive collection of over 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 5 million manuscript pages, spanning more than six centuries of history in Europe and the Americas. Visitors can explore these treasures in the library's reading rooms, program spaces, and classrooms, without the need for tickets or reservations. The library's exhibition galleries feature a small fraction of its vast holdings, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of the past. Recent exhibitions, such as "Mapping Outside the Lines," have been praised for their engaging and informative presentations, with knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guides bringing the historical and social contexts to life. The Newberry Library is a peaceful oasis, where the quiet atmosphere allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world of books and artifacts. Whether browsing the gift shop or conducting in-depth research, the library's staff are consistently helpful and accommodating, ensuring that every visit is a memorable and enriching experience.
Just took a tour of the Mapping Outside the Lines exhibit. Turned out to be really interesting and engaging. Anada our guide was fun and made the exhibit come to life, helping to connect the historical, and social contexts. Some of the maps were real works of art.
October 2025
Mapping Outside the Lines exhibit is outstanding. Fascinating variety of maps with excellent descriptions. Maps ancient and modern, all well displayed.
August 2025
Absolutely lovely. The staff were super helpful from top to bottom and we had a lovely time.
