The Lilly Library is Indiana University's rare books and manuscripts library, holding over 400,000 books, 7.5 million manuscripts, and millions of other items. The building, opened in 1960, is a distinguished piece of mid-century modernist architecture — a low, limestone structure set on the south edge of the IU campus, with a quiet reading room that feels like a small cathedral.
The library mounts regular exhibitions in its public gallery, drawing on its remarkable holdings: items range from medieval illuminated manuscripts to original Beatles recordings, from cuneiform tablets to early cinema materials. One permanent case always displays a Gutenberg Bible page; other exhibitions rotate through remarkable primary sources from literature, music, history, and science.
Public access is welcome for the exhibitions and public gallery area; access to the collections requires researcher credentials. Exhibitions are free.