Luminous: A thousand years of Hebrew manuscripts

Explore one of the world’s oldest cultures in a shining exhibition of rare and important Hebrew manuscripts drawn from the British Library, State Library Victoria and local collections.    

Spanning a millennium of history, Luminous illustrates the profound beauty and importance of Hebrew texts through items related to Jewish life, culture, science, religion, philosophy, music and magic. 

Coming exclusively to State Library Victoria from the British Library are collection highlights including the first Gaster Bible – one of the oldest known surviving bibles, a Torah scroll from China, and a work by the great philosopher Moses Maimonides. Also coming from the Jewish Museum of Australia are items that show how ancient texts form a living tradition, such as extraordinary Yemenite amulet jewellery.  

Centuries-old works are presented together with contemporary objects that tell stories of the vibrant Jewish communities in Melbourne and Australia.

A State Library Victoria and British Library exhibition.

Learn more about Luminous: A thousand years of Hebrew manuscripts.