Mapping Imagination: The Art of World-Building opens Monday, March 6 on the Third Floor of Parkway Central Library and has been extended to run through August 31, 2023.

Whether real or imaginary, maps guide travelers, define characteristics of a region, and illustrate values and perspectives. 

How did the location of Marvel’s Wakanda come to fruition? What’s the fastest way to get Link through the Overworld in the videogame The Legend of Zelda? How can a subway map help you navigate the television series Firefly? 

The Free Library’s newest exhibition, Mapping Imagination: The Art of World-Building, is a collaboration between the Map Collection and Children’s Literature Research Collection that explores the creative and artistic choices that mapmakers use to build worlds and enhance storytelling. Traditional maps of real places dating from the 17th century to present, are displayed beside imaginary maps from various genres — fantasy, science fiction, graphic novels, and more — to highlight the role artistic and creative decisions play in building and characterizing real and fantastical worlds. Mapping Imagination features tactile maps and an audio narration to supplement your exhibition experience.

Visit Mapping Imagination: The Art of World-Building, located on the Third Floor of Parkway Central Library. The exhibition is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Events

Check out the Library’s Events page for related programs and tours. 

Book List

Want to learn more? Check out this book list to discover the materials featured in Mapping Imagination!

Spotify Playlist

Hear songs from or inspired by the works on display! 

Learn more about the Free Library's Map Collection and Children’s Literature Research Collection.

Mapping Imagination: The Art of World-Building and its related programming are made possible by generous support from the Lindback Foundation, the Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation, and the Independence Foundation. The exhibition would not have been possible without the work of staff members from the Free Library of Philadelphia and Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation across many divisions and departments as well as the members of its Exhibition Review Committee. Sincere thanks to the Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired for providing accessibility features as well as continued assistance and guidance.