Alchemy of Knowledge: Science and Mystery from Shakespeare to AI explores how knowledge and discovery disrupt culture. The exhibition traces the shift from Renaissance magical thinking to empirical science, drawing parallels to our current AI-driven transformation. Through rare books, immersive environments, and interactive experiences, visitors encounter the intellectual upheaval that reshaped human understanding from the sixteenth century to today.

Alchemy of Knowledge opens on March 13, 2026 . Gallery hours: Monday–Friday 10 AM–5 PM, second Saturdays 10 AM–2 PM.

Yes. All Linda Hall Library exhibitions are free and open to the public.

5109 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64110. Free parking available on-site. Learn about getting to the Library on our Visit Us page.

You'll encounter original rare books from pivotal moments in scientific history, including annotated star atlases, alchemical texts, works by Francis Bacon and Galileo, and early microscopy discoveries. The exhibition features six thematic sections, immersive environments that recreate an alchemist's workspace and microscopic worlds, interactive experiments, Shakespearean performance recordings, and outdoor connections in our Arboretum.

Most visitors spend 30-60 minutes in the galleries. Allow additional time to explore the Main Reading Room installation and Arboretum experience.

Photography for personal use is welcome. Flash photography and tripods are not permitted.

Yes. The exhibition is designed for high school and college students exploring literature, history, science, or Renaissance studies. Families with curious learners will find accessible entry points and hands on learning alongside deeper intellectual content.

Yes. Schedule group tours for parties of 10 or more through our group visit request form.

Draco Scientiae is a suspended dragon sculpture created in partnership with Kansas City Art Institute students. The work reimagines the dragon as a guardian of knowledge, exploring themes of ambition, power, and transformation central to the exhibition.

Our outdoor Arboretum features plants referenced in Shakespeare's works and Renaissance thought. Interpretive signage invites you to see the living landscape through historical, literary, and scientific lenses.

Yes. The Main Reading Room is open during Library hours for research and exploration. Our collections are available to anyone with a research interest or an interest in popular science books.

Explore our historic Main Reading Room opened in 1946, walk the 16-acre Arboretum, attend evening lectures and public programs, browse our Gift Shop (coming soon), brows our popular science collection or conduct research in our world-renowned collection of science, engineering, and technology materials.

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