Celebrate Johannes Hevelius, one of the great scientists of the 17th century, who drew the first detailed map of the Moon.

A pioneering astronomer and brewer from Gdansk in Poland, Hevelius built his own instruments and observatory, and his lunar atlas remained unrivalled for generations.

The Bodleian is hosting a special display of Hevelius’s work, as well as family activities, workshops and talks, in collaboration with the Oxford Polish Association, the Polish Cultural Institute and others.

This event is presented in collaboration with IF Oxford, part of the Festival’s annual programme to spark curiosity and engagement with science and ideas.

Explore the Moon with Hevelius’s Selenographia

29 – 30 October 2025, 9.00 — 17.00
Blackwell Hall (Transept), Weston Library

Come and discover a rare treasure of early astronomy: the original 1647 edition of Selenographia, sive Lunae descriptio (’Selenography, or A Description of the Moon’) by Johannes Hevelius. This landmark work features the first detailed map of the Moon, meticulously drawn from Hevelius’s own telescopic observations.

The original volume will be on display in the Transept in Blackwell Hall, and you can also see a full digital version on Digital Bodleian. Come and explore the Moon as it was first seen through the eyes of a 17th-century stargazer.

Hevelius activity day

30 October 2025, 11.00 — 14.00
Blackwell Hall, Weston Library

Enjoy a special day of family-friendly activities and hands-on astronomy workshops organised in collaboration with the Oxford Polish Association.

Explore the wonders of the universe together with fun for all ages — from space-themed crafts to interactive sessions with astronomy experts. Don’t miss this chance to learn, play, and discover the cosmos!

WHERE: Blackwell Hall (Transept), Weston Library, Broad St, Oxford OX1 3BG

WHEN: Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 October 2025

TICKETS: free

MORE INFO: here