The exhibition “Plants and animals. Atlases of natural history in the age of Linnaeus” presents a unique collection of works from the Scientific Library of the Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Polish Academy of Sciences in Kraków. The presented exhibition shows almost 400 pieces of art featuring pictures of fish, more than 40 atlases, and 90 big format works depicting plants and animals. The majority of the collection consists of never presented graphic works. The unique graphics could be found in the most distinguished botanical and ornithological albums, that were published between 16th and 19th century.

The project included the complete arrangement of the gallery’s interiors, albums’ displays, section descriptions and plates describing each piece of work. The idea of four different sections of the exhibition presents distinctive universes by using contrasting colors of rooms as well as subtle elements of arrangements. Minimalistic displays that almost vanish from the walls, accentuate the works’ values and serve as a background. The whole picture is completed with lush flower arrangements, magnifying glasses that allow watching butterflies’ pictures in macroscale, a colorful collage and a sofa with patterns featuring flowers and insects, designed by Krzysztof Radoszek. Both the arrangement and the narration invite the viewer to a colorful and nostalgic journey across the world of plants and animals.

Further reading: MCK