Credit: Helen O'Mahony/Chronicle.lu

On Tuesday 5 November 2024, the National Library of Luxembourg (BnL) launched a call for donations aimed at preserving and promoting a recently-acquired thousand-year-old manuscript, at the library in Luxembourg-Kirchberg.

Luxembourg's Minister of Culture, Eric Thill, together with Claude D. Conter, Director of the National Library, invited members of the press to a preview of the medieval manuscript, one of the last examples of giant Bibles written in the 11th century. The exceptionally rare manuscript is described by BnL as having close links with the scriptorium of Echternach and will enrich the cultural and historical heritage of the country. 

Soon after the foundation of the Echternach monastery in 698 AD, a scriptorium was established, in which books were written and illuminated to be used in religious services and in the monastic school. The most beautiful of these manuscripts were created in the 8th and 11th centuries.

The manuscript acquired by BnL is remarkably well preserved and had been in a private collection overseas. Weighing approximately 25kg and measuring 80cm wide and 55cm high when opened, the Bible is described as an extraordinary example of medieval craftsmanship, reflecting centuries of religious and cultural history. The production of its parchment required the skins of more than 230 cows.

A welcome speech by Claude Conter was followed by the presentation of the giant Bible by Luc Deitz, Head of the Rare Manuscripts and Printed Materials Fund at BnL. 

Minister Thill spoke on the cultural and political importance of the Bible for the national heritage.

By acquiring this thousand-year-old historic treasure, BnL aims to ensure its preservation for future generations. Claude Conter launched a call for donations to help both preserve and promote the giant Bible. The crowdfunding campaign will take place until 8 March 2025. Donations can be made via the National Cultural Fund, by bank transfer or via Payconiq.

The opening of the Giant Bible exhibition will take place on Saturday 7 December 2024, as part of the exhibition entitled "Cloistered, Connoisseurs, and Collectors - Luxembourg Libraries between the 16th and 18th Centuries".

Entrance to the exhibition is free with prior registration from Monday 11 November 2024.

For further information on the manuscript and the call for donations, see https://patrimoine.bnl.lu/en/.