Exhibition in the Weston Room at the Maughan Library

24 March - 28 September 2025

Open daily: 10.00-17.00. Free entrance. The Weston Room has step free access via an accessible lift.

How has the world been mapped since the advent of the printed book in the late 15th century? In this exhibition we invite you to explore a range of maps from the past 500 years, from street maps of London to maps of the constellations.

We look at the role of the map in spreading geographical knowledge, demarcating national boundaries and facilitating developments in transport and medicine.  Exhibits include a hand-coloured map of the world from 1548, one of Galileo’s star maps, wartime maps of Greece and Iraq, a military board game and a London map of 1855 which proved crucial in the fight against cholera.  

We also explore how developments in today’s digital technologies can increase our understanding of historical maps; watch the short film at the end of the exhibition to see how 3D imaging can lead to new discoveries.

Exhibition closure dates:

• Thursday 29 May - opens at 13.00
• Thursday 12 June - opens at 11.00
• Wednesday 25 June - closed all day
• Thursday 26 June - closes at 14.00
• Friday 19 September - closed until 12.00

You do not need to pre-book your visit. For more information on access and to print an entry ticket please see the Maughan Library exhibitions page