The Gutenberg Bible, printed over 570 years ago by Johannes Gutenberg, is currently on display at the Medieval Art Gallery in Warsaw. This remarkable edition is one of the few surviving copies in the world and the only one housed in Poland.
A Historic and Valuable Treasure
The Gutenberg Bible at the Diocesan Museum in Pelpin is among the world’s most valuable early printed works. Remarkably well-preserved, this copy has survived centuries of history, including wars and relocations. It was first donated in 1502 by Nicolaus Crapitz, the bishop of Warmia, to the Franciscan Reformed Convent in Lubawa, where it remained until the 19th century. After the convent’s dissolution, the book was transferred to the Library of the Seminary in Pelplin, where it has been safeguarded ever since.
Despite its age, the Bible is in excellent condition. Both volumes are intact, nearly all pages are preserved, and its 15th-century binding remains in good shape. A small technical flaw in the first volume revealed important insights into Gutenberg’s printing process. Researchers discovered that a piece of the font’s metal shape had fallen out of its mount, offering new clues about early movable type technology.
Curator Marcin Bogusz emphasized the significance of Gutenberg’s invention:
“The idea of movable type was revolutionary because it enabled mass production of identical books in a short time. This innovation spread printing across Europe and became a true breakthrough in history.”
Surviving Through Conflict and Preservation
The Bible’s journey through history has not been without danger. During World War II, as the conflict escalated in 1939, authorities moved the book from Pelplin to Warsaw and then to Paris. From there, it traveled through Great Britain and finally to Canada, where it was placed in a bank vault alongside other precious Polish cultural artifacts, including Gallus Anonymus’ manuscript and royal regalia. The book remained in the vault until the late 1950s.
In 1959, the Gutenberg Bible returned to Poland. It was first exhibited briefly at the National Museum in Warsaw before being transferred back to Pelplin. In order to ensure the Bible’s long-term preservation, experts designed a special, bulletproof, climate-controlled display case. The case is carefully regulated to maintain ideal conditions for the fragile book. The exhibition must remain at a temperature of 20-23°C and a humidity level of 45-55%. Additionally, light exposure is strictly controlled to prevent any damage to the delicate pages. The Bible is only displayed for 60 days each year to minimize wear.
Handwritten elements on the Bible’s pages are especially fragile. As a result, conservation specialists have established detailed guidelines to preserve this invaluable cultural relic for future generations.
A Glimpse into Medieval Culture and the Gutenberg Legacy
In addition to showcasing the Gutenberg Bible, the exhibition offers visitors a thematic tour that delves into the late medieval culture of writing and book production. The tour features sculptural and painted depictions of books, readers, writers, and historical inscriptions. Through these artifacts, the exhibition emphasizes the essential role books played in medieval society.
The Gutenberg Bible didn’t only revolutionize reading – it also influenced the visual arts. Artists from that era used newly available printed materials to inspire and replicate their own work. While artists traditionally created their own designs, many were inspired by copperplate and woodcut prints made by masters such as Martin Schongauer and Albrecht Dürer.
Curator Marcin Bogusz noted the connection between Gutenberg’s invention and the flourishing of the visual arts:
“Although artists traditionally created their own designs, many copied copperplate and woodcut prints by masters like Martin Schongauer and Albrecht Dürer. The printing press connected the late Middle Ages to the Renaissance in a remarkable way.”
Artifacts within the Medieval Art Gallery that are influenced by Gutenberg’s innovations are marked with a special symbol, underscoring their connection to this transformative advancement in history.
A Cultural Legacy Preserved for Generations
The Gutenberg Bible remains a symbol of the profound impact of the printing press on Europe and the world. Its journey through centuries of war, preservation, and scholarly attention highlights its unparalleled significance in human history. Visitors to the exhibition in Warsaw can experience not only this rare piece of history but also learn about the broader cultural shifts it helped initiate.