Collections & Exhibits

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Exhibit Thumbnail Title Locations Subjects
Exhibits
A Bold Experiment A Bold Experiment: The Origins of the Sciences at the University of Chicago
In celebration of the 125th anniversary of the University of Chicago's founding, this exhibit looks back at the establishment of the natural sciences at the University.
Locations
Crerar Library, 1st Floor: Other Spaces
Sept. 21 — March 31, 2016
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Subjects
University of Chicago
History of Science
Discovering the Beauty and Charm of the Wilderness Discovering the Beauty and Charm of the Wilderness: Chicago Connections to the National Park Service
The National Park Service offers a rich variety of landforms, flora, and fauna that have been the subject of many University of Chicago scientific studies. The parks have also served as inspiration for art, photography and literature. To mark the National Park Service’s 100-year anniversary, we delve into the Library’s archives and rare collections to uncover Chicago connections to the parks.
Locations
Crerar Library, 1st Floor: Other Spaces
Oct. 31 — Dec. 31, 2016
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Subjects
Organismal Biology
American History
University of Chicago
Environmental Science
Exhibition Poster Dog Fight: The Animal Experimentation Debate in Twentieth-Century Chicago
What should be done with unclaimed pound dogs? This question inspired fierce debates in Chicago, where an unusual city ordinance in 1931 granted scientists at the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and other local medical schools access to stray dogs for experimental purposes. This exhibition explores both sides of that controversy and shows how it continues to shape the ways we discuss biomedical ethics and scientific progress.
May 8 — Sept. 1, 2023
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Subjects
University of Chicago
Chicago and Illinois
History of Science
History
Octave Chanute Flights before the Wrights: Octave Chanute, Chicago. Aeronautical Pioneer, Engineer & Teacher
An exhibition of Octave Chanute's accomplishments and highlights from the visionary's career. Chanute’s novel biplane glider, an engineering masterpiece in the world of 1896 flying machines was the foundation for 20th-century aircraft.
Locations
Crerar Library, 1st Floor: Other Spaces
Nov. 1 — June 1, 2002
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Subjects
Aviation
Technology
History of Science
Mattys hot dog stand From Sausage to Hot Dog: the Evolution of an Icon
The hot dog is an American creation, and Chicago even has its own style. But where did this popular food come from and how did it develop? This exhibit looks to the hot dog's origins in sausage-making practices brought by European immigrants to the Midwest. We consider techniques used in neighborhood butcher shops and the rise of industrial meat production. Homemade recipes and artisanal makers past and present are also examined.
Locations
Crerar Library, 1st Floor: Other Spaces
Oct. 29 — Dec. 31, 2013
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Subjects
History of Science
History
American History
Chicago and Illinois
James Watson Honest Jim: James D. Watson, the Writer
Fifty years ago, James Watson and Francis Crick made one of the major discoveries of the twentieth century: they deciphered the double helical structure of DNA. The discovery began a revolution in molecular biology that led to major advances in science and medicine.
Locations
Crerar Library, 1st Floor: Other Spaces
Jan. 19 — May 28, 2004
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Subjects
Biological Sciences
Molecular & Cell Biology
History of Science
Image of Crerar Library A Library for All Time: The History of the John Crerar Library
The John Crerar Library holds a place of distinction in the world of libraries. The images and texts presented here trace the history of the library from its founding as a free public library of science made possible by the gift of a dedicated philanthropist through its growth to an outstanding print collection with innovative research services and into its present form which combines these traditional services and collections with modern electronic information resources and creative collaborations with campus partners.
Locations
Crerar Library, 1st Floor: Other Spaces
Oct. 29 — March 31, 2014
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Subjects
Biological Sciences
Physical Sciences
History of Science
Map of the Atlantic Ocean Marie Tharp: Pioneering Oceanographer
A pioneer in her field, renowned cartographer Marie Tharp created the first scientific maps of the Atlantic Ocean floor with her partner Bruce Heezen. Her observations showed the topography and geographical landscape of the ocean bottom and were crucial to the development of the theories of plate tectonics and continental drift in the earth sciences.
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History of Science
Geography
Geophysical Sciences
pythagorean.jpg Ryerson Laboratory and Eckhart Hall: A History
The exhibit is a history of Ryerson Physical Laboratory and Eckhart Hall on the University of Chicago campus
Locations
Eckhart Library
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Subjects
Physics
Statistics
Computer Science
Mathematics
Library Science
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Green Roof on Searle The Science of Sustainability
This exhibit takes a close look at some aspects of sustainable building design and how they can produce greener buildings.
Locations
Crerar Library, 1st Floor: Other Spaces
April 5 — Oct. 1, 2010
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Subjects
Environmental Science
Urban Studies
Organismal Biology
Chicago and Illinois
University of Chicago
Something's Brewing: The Art, Science and Technology of Beer Brewing Something's Brewing: The Art, Science and Technology of Beer Brewing
The Crerar Library exhibit, Something's Brewing: The Art, Science and Technology of Brewing, explores the development of brewing, from the ancient Sumerians' rice-based beverages to the rise and fall of the Chicago brewing industry.
Locations
Crerar Library, 1st Floor: Other Spaces
Jan. 8 — March 31, 2007
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Subjects
Chicago and Illinois
Materials Science
History of Science
Technology
art and astronomy They Saw Stars: Art and Astronomy
This John Crerar Library exhibit highlights works of art and literature influenced by astronomy, either through scientific study, a fascination with the night sky, or as an inspiration for the literary imagination. Both contemporary and historical works are included.
Locations
Crerar Library, 1st Floor: Other Spaces
June 2 — Nov. 1, 2005
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Subjects
History of Science
Art
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Photo of Conservator at Work Under Covers: The Art and Science of Book Conservation
Book Conservation is an essential component of a comprehensive program to protect and preserve library collections for current and future use by scholars. This exhibit takes a close look at the scientific aspects of conservation and the treatment of collections.
Locations
Crerar Library, 1st Floor: Other Spaces
March 26 — Oct. 11, 2013
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Subjects
Materials Science
History of Print
Chemistry