Wanderlust. A journey around the world on maps
The map collection of the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek is renowned predominantly for its around 80,000 old maps (maps published before the year 1850). To do justice to the importance and variety of the modern map collection as well, newer city plans from all over the world were showcased in the presentation "Wanderlust" from 9 April to 29 June 2018.
The common thread for the selection from the library's extensive and varied holdings was an exciting account of a journey of the year 1903. The Swiss Cäcilie von Rodt (1855 – 1929) sold her parents' estate after their death and went on a journey of the world on her own in 1901, during which she circled the globe once completely from east to west.
Thirsty for knowledge, in her account "Reise einer Schweizerin um die Welt", she addresses the history of every country she travelled, attentively compares the different perceptions of women in the cultures encountered, and tells enthusiastically about her joy of travelling, enjoyable travel groups, buzzing big cities and overwhelming impressions of nature.
The city maps on display follow her travel route and are accompanied by contemporary photographs (book illustrations, completed by further pieces form the Image Archive of the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek) and quotations from Cäcilie von Rodt's report.
Virtual exhibition
Wanderlust – A journey around the world on maps
