Curator Guided Tour of ‘Paper Engineering in Art, Science, and Education’

Curator Guided Tour of ‘Paper Engineering in Art, Science, and Education’  promotional image

Join co-curators Giselle Simón, Elizabeth Yale, and Damien Ihrig for a special guided tour of the current University of Iowa Libraries Main Library Gallery exhibition, Paper Engineering in Art, Science, and Education. All are welcome to attend this free event, which is being held in partnership with the Iowa City Book Festival.

About the exhibit:
Paper Engineering in Art, Science, and Education showcases the fascinating world of movable books and paper technologies. The exhibition invites visitors to enjoy seeing flap books, pop-ups, tunnel books, volvelles, and books that use paper to make sounds while learning about their historical and contemporary significance.

Paper has long held a crucial role in communicating information to artists, scientists, and students. Medical flap books from the 16th to the 19th centuries provided an affordable way for physicians to gain hands-on knowledge about the body. Children’s books from the 18th century onwards used movable elements to instruct and entertain, acting as precursors to interactive media. Artist’s books from the last century demonstrate how paper technologies can engage viewers in new and exciting ways. Through these and other rare materials from University of Iowa Libraries collections, this exhibition celebrates the creativity, design, and ingenuity of paper engineering.

Monday, October 6, 2025 4:00pm to 5:00pm
University of Iowa Main Library
Main Library Gallery
125 West Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52242
View on Event Calendar
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Sara Pinkham in advance at 319-467-1805 or sara-pinkham@uiowa.edu.