This exhibition presents a cross-section of the renowned Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica, the heart of the Embassy of the Free Mind. Through rare books and manuscripts, it explores the interconnectedness of humanity, nature, and the cosmos as viewed through the lens of Hermetic philosophy.
The exhibition 'House of Living Books' offers visitors a curated cross-section of the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica, a collection that defines the identity of the Embassy of the Free Mind. The library contains over 28,000 books, including 2,300 ancient volumes and 300 manuscripts dating from the 15th to the 18th centuries, many of which are beautifully illustrated. These works provide a unique window into the spiritual tradition where self-knowledge and an understanding of nature are considered essential keys to knowledge of the divine.
Visitors can explore themes central to Hermeticism and its related movements, including alchemy, Kabbalah, mysticism, Christian theosophy, Rosicrucianism, and astrology. The exhibition highlights the core principle of 'As above, so below,' reflecting a worldview where humans and the cosmos are inextricably linked. By bringing together these diverse yet connected currents of free thinking, the exhibition illustrates how these ancient ideas have shaped modern understandings of humanity and personal freedom.