July 1, 2025

A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250 at The Morgan Library & Museum, through September 14, 2025

“The Morgan Library & Museum presents  A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250, a major exhibition devoted to the life and legacy of the beloved literary icon. On view from June 6 through September 14, 2025, A Lively Mind immerses viewers in the inspiring story of Jane Austen’s authorship and her gradual rise to international fame. Iconic artifacts from Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, England, will join manuscripts, books, and artworks from the Morgan, as well as from a dozen other institutional and private collections, to present compelling new perspectives on Austen’s literary achievement, her personal style, and her global legacy.” — Morgan Library & Museum

“Jane Austen has inspired generations of readers, and the Morgan is honored to join the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of her birth,” said Colin B. Bailey, Katharine J. Rayner Director of the Morgan Library & Museum. “Bringing together the Morgan’s expansive collection of Austen works, particularly her letters, alongside many exquisite loans, A Lively Mind is a rare opportunity to experience Austen’s many facets at once, from her family life to her authorship and her legacy.”

Silhouettes of Rev. George Austen and Cassandra Leigh Austen, early nineteenth century, on loan from Jane Austen’s House, Chawton.
Jane Austen (1775–1817). Autograph letter to Cassandra Austen, Godmersham, June 20–22, 1808. The Morgan Library & Museum, purchased by J. P. Morgan Jr., 1920; MA 977.16. Photography by Janny Chiu.
William Blake (1757–1827). Portrait of Mrs. Q [Harriet Quentin], 1820. Stipple etching/engraving with mezzotint. The Morgan Library & Museum, gift of Charles Ryskamp in memory of Michael S. Currier; 1998.36:4. Photography by Steven H. Crossot.
Jane Austen (1775–1817). Autograph letter to Cassandra Austen, Bath, June 2, 1799. The Morgan Library & Museum, purchased by J. P. Morgan Jr., 1920; MA 977.4. Photography by Janny Chiu.
Morning dresses from Gallery of Fashion (London: N. Heideloff, 1798), fig. 198. The Morgan Library & Museum; PML 5680.
J. Austen: after an original family portrait. Steel engraving [New York: 1873]. The Morgan Library & Museum, purchased by J. P. Morgan Jr., 1920; MA 977.43. Photography by Graham S. Haber.
Jane Austen (1775–1817). Emma, 3 vols. London: printed for John Murray, 1816. The Morgan Library & Museum, purchased by J. P. Morgan Jr., 1928; PML 25476–78. Photography by Janny Chiu.
Jane Austen (1775–1817). Emma, volume 2. Philadelphia: M. Carey, 1816. Courtesy of Goucher College Special Collections & Archives, Alberta H. and Henry G. Burke Collection.
Anonymous, Miniature portrait of Jane Austen, 19th century. The Morgan Library & Museum, AZ078.

“A Lively Mind examines how it was possible for Austen to publish her now-beloved novels when women generally were not permitted to become writers, much less encouraged to be,” said Dale Stinchcomb, Drue Heinz Curator of Literary and Historical Manuscripts at the Morgan Library & Museum. “In addition to her own brilliance, many people—friends, family, readers—made her who she is today, and we hope visitors come away feeling that they can have a profound impact on literature and the arts as well.”

“It’s exciting to share books and artworks, many of which have never been exhibited before, to bring to light how American readers first encountered and responded to Austen’s novels,” said Juliette Wells, co-curator of the exhibition and Professor of Literary Studies at Goucher College, “as well as to show how American advocates broadened Austen’s readership later in the nineteenth century.”

Organized by Dale Stinchcomb, the Morgan’s Drue Heinz Curator of Literary and Historical Manuscripts, and Juliette Wells, Professor of Literary Studies at Goucher College.

Images courtesy The Morgan Library & Museum.