Wonder of Birds Exhibition
02 May 2026 to 03 January 2027
About Wonder of Birds Exhibition
A major new exhibition at the Bodleian Libraries invites visitors to step into the remarkable world of birds, exploring their beauty, symbolism and fragility through art, literature and science.
Wonder of Birds draws inspiration from The Book of Birds, created by artist Jackie Morris and writer Robert Macfarlane. Both the exhibition and the book reflect on the decline of bird populations while celebrating their cultural and natural significance.
Curated by Antonia Harrison, the exhibition unfolds through seven themed sections – from nest and egg to feather, flight and migration – combining original artwork and writing with treasures from the Bodleian’s extensive collections.
Visitors can explore rare and historic material, including previously unseen glass plate negatives by pioneering wildlife photographer Emma Louisa Turner, alongside early nature photography from Richard Kearton and his brother Cherry.
Also on display are striking life-size illustrations from Birds of America by John James Audubon, as well as a rare Great Auk egg on loan from Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
The exhibition also highlights birds’ enduring influence on culture, featuring works such as Maya Angelou’s ‘Caged Bird’ and Percy Bysshe Shelley’s handwritten notes on ‘To a Skylark’. Global perspectives include imagery from The Book of the Fixed Stars and the poetic journey of The Conference of the Birds.
Enhancing the experience, a specially commissioned soundscape by sound artist Jason Singh immerses visitors in birdsong and natural environments, while artist duo Daniel & Clara present an interactive ‘Rewilding Imagination field guide’.
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Ticket prices:
Free admission, no ticket required
Dates & times:
Saturday 02 May 2026 to Sunday 03 January 2027
Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday from 10.00am to 5.00pm
Sunday from 11.00am to 4.00pm
Location:
The Treasury, Weston Library