Treasures Gallery
The David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery
Opened to the public in June 2024, this new gallery offers visitors a window into the Library’s collections, creating a public space where visitors can see firsthand some of the fascinating and special items held by the Library in rotating, thematic exhibitions.
The inaugural installation, “Collecting Memories,” explores how cultures preserve memory, including the role of the Library in preserving collective memories representing entire societies, important moments in history and individual lives. The exhibition draws from the Library’s rich holdings of Americana and international collections, bringing together a mix of voice recordings, moving images, diaries, manuscripts, photographs, art, maps, books and more. It includes a draft of the Gettysburg Address handwritten by President Abraham Lincoln, original handwritten lyrics for “The Sound of Music,” Maya Lin’s original drawings for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, original artwork by Stan Lee and Steven Ditko for the Spider-Man comic, President James Madison’s crystal flute, 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablets and more.
David M. Rubenstein, for whom the gallery is named, serves as chairman of the Library’s James Madison Council and as co-executive chairman of The Carlyle Group. His lead gift for the A Library for You plan enables the Library to establish a dedicated showcase for its unparalleled collections created across time and continents.
News Release: New Library Exhibition “Collecting Memories” Opens in new David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery
Before and After: Current Space and New Installation
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Before: A view of the current Library space for the new Treasures Gallery, prior to installation. -
After: The entrance to the new David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery.