Collections Gallery
Opening in May 2025, the John Rylands Library's new Collections Gallery will feature over 40 rare and fascinating items that tell the story of the Library's unique collections.
The Library was founded by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband John Rylands, who died in 1888. In this gallery, discover how the Library has grown from 1889 to the present day, from its founder's early acquisitions to contemporary collecting. 
Explore the world-class collections of the Rylands.  Highlights on display will include an early fragment of the New Testament, a clay cylinder from King Nebuchadnezzar's temple, and the Peterloo relief fund accounts. At the heart of the gallery is a case containing a 14th-century trilingual Qur'an manuscript, Shakespeare's first folio and the Rylands Beatus, a beautiful 12th-century book. You'll also find Alan Turing's notes on programming the MARK I computer and a notebook written by Rob Gretton, which capture significant moments from the 20th century.
As part of Rylands125, this new exhibition gallery will open in celebration of the Library's 125th anniversary.
