The National Library launches a crowdfunding campaign Your donation, our shared heritage

On Tuesday, 5 November 2024, Eric Thill, Minister of Culture, and Claude D. Conter, Director of the National Library of Luxembourg (BnL), held a press conference to present a rare, thousand-year-old manuscript recently acquired by the BnL, significantly enriching the country’s cultural and historical heritage.

An exceptional document

This medieval manuscript is the last known example of “Giant Bibles” written in the 11^th century, previously held in private collections abroad. It is not only noteworthy for its exceptional rarity but also for its remarkable state of preservation and its close connection to the Echternach scriptorium. By bringing this thousand-year-old treasure back, we ensure its preservation for future generations and restore to Luxembourg one of the most brilliant witnesses to its past.

It is extremely rare for a manuscript to return to its “place of origin” nearly a millennium after its creation, and rarer still for its journey over such a long period to be traceable year by year. The giant Bible that the BnL was able to acquire after lengthy negotiations is a unique example of this. – Claude D. Conter, Director of the BnL

“Your donation, our shared heritage” – Call for donations

The press conference marked the official launch of a donation appeal aimed at preserving this millennial treasure for future generations.

The crowdfunding campaign will run until 7 March 2025. Interested parties can learn about the donation appeal, support options, and details about this medieval manuscript on the website patrimoine.bnl.lu, available in French, English, German, and Luxembourgish.

Donations can be made via focuna.lu, the National Cultural Fund, by bank transfer, or Payconiq.

Conference overview and topics discussed

After an opening statement by Director Claude D. Conter, Luc Deitz, Head of the Manuscripts and Rare Books Division at the BnL, introduced the manuscript to the press representatives. Claude D. Conter then detailed the donation appeal and support options for this ambitious project. The conference concluded with remarks from the Minister of Culture, who explained the cultural and political importance of this acquisition for Luxembourg’s national heritage:

This historical document represents not only a fundamental pillar of our cultural heritage but also a valuable asset for promoting cultural tourism in Luxembourg. Preserving and protecting this millennial manuscript is essential to offering everyone, as well as future generations, the opportunity to discover the historical and artistic treasures of our country. – Eric Thill, Minister of Culture