By Laura LaVelle, Wonder Shuffle Culture Editor:

You've seen the Long Room before. Even if you've never been to Trinity College Dublin, it's a famous section of a famous library, striking in its appearance. Star Wars fans have long believed it to be the inspiration behind the Jedi archives. (Lucas Films denies this vociferously--but no one believes them.)

However, unless you've made a rather recent visit, you haven't seen the Long Room quite like this. It's currently occupied by a temporary art exhibit, Gaia, by Luke Jerram. The artist designed the work using NASA images, and was inspired by environmental concerns--intending to prompt discussions about sustainability. It will be on display until November of 2026 if you are inclined to see it in person.

To visit the Long Room (assuming you are not enrolled at Trinity or employed by the school) you'll need to book a ticket through the Book of Kells Experience website. There are three options--I recommend the Trinity Trails & Book of Kells Experience package.

Trinity Trails is a guided college tour of the campus with a student tour guide--it's a great way to learn about the history of the school and its impressive architecture. (Plus you'll get to hear some rather unhinged stories about past crimes, gossip, famous alumni, and historical controversies.)

And as for the Book of Kells--it's simply gorgeous as a work of art, a testament of religious faith, and a piece of priceless history--grandeur on a much smaller scale, but every bit as impressive as the college library itself.

Website: https://www.visittrinity.ie/book-of-kells-experience/

Address:

College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland

About Me

Laura LaVelle is Wonder Shuffle's Culture Editor. A fan of the great indoors, you can find her in her native NYC, her home in Connecticut, or at a concert, play, library, bookstore, or museum just about anywhere in the world.