Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum (Jacksonville) facts for kids
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| Established | 1992 |
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| Location | 101 West 1st Street (formerly 1116 North Laura Street) Jacksonville, Florida |
| Public transit access | Bus: L8, L7, Monorail: Rosa L. Parks Station Northbank Line
Southbank Line
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The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum in Jacksonville, Florida, was once a special place. It was a museum that showed off old manuscripts and documents. These are like handwritten papers or important records from long ago.
This museum was one of ten Karpeles museums across the United States. All of these museums are found in old buildings that have been given a new purpose. The Karpeles museums display items from the huge private collection of David and Marsha Karpeles. Their collection is the biggest of its kind owned by private people in the world!
The Jacksonville museum opened in 1992. It was located in a building that used to be the First Church of Christ, Scientist. This building is in Jacksonville's Springfield neighborhood.
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About the Museum Building
The museum building is very impressive. It overlooks Henry J. Klutho Park and Hogans Creek. It was built in 1921 and cost $80,000 at that time.
Building's Unique Look
The building has a grand look with large Doric columns at the front. This style is called Classical Revival. It was different from many churches built back then, which often looked like old castles or Spanish buildings.
What makes it even more unusual is that it doesn't have a steeple or a bell tower. Most churches have these tall parts. The architects who designed it were Marsh & Saxelbye, and W.D. Gerbrich was the builder.
From Church to Museum
The building was originally home to the First Church of Christ, Scientist. This church started holding services in Jacksonville in 1892. They officially became a church group in 1897.
They moved to a few different places before settling in the Springfield area in 1921. The building is at 101 West 1st Street. It is considered an important part of the Springfield Historic District.
In 1992, the church sold the building to David Karpeles. The church then closed down on August 10, 1993.
Karpeles Museum Collection
The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum in Jacksonville opened its doors in 1992. It was owned by David Karpeles. He used to be a math professor and became very successful by investing in real estate.
What Was on Display?
After making his money, David Karpeles started collecting old manuscripts. His collection grew to be the largest in the world! In 1983, he began opening museums to share his amazing collection with everyone.
The Jacksonville museum would change its exhibits three or four times a year. They showed items from Karpeles's own collection. Sometimes, they also displayed items from other collectors. The museum even hosted about six art exhibits each year.
Inside the Museum
The museum kept many of the building's original features from when it was a church. These included big stained glass windows and an altar area. There was also an upstairs gallery where visitors could sit.
Some things were left behind by the church, like a piano and a collection of books. The museum turned these books into a special library. Visitors could sit in a comfy chair and read them. Since the building was a Christian Science church, most books were about religion or medicine. But there were also many classic stories!
The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum in Jacksonville closed its doors in 2023 after 30 years. Later in 2023, new owners bought the building. They reopened it as "Karpeles Grand," which is now used as a place for events.
See also
- List of former Christian Science churches, societies and buildings
