The Kristine Kay Hasse Memorial Library [1] at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis is opening a new exhibit: “Early Printed Bibles: An Exhibit Featuring Luther’s German New Testament 1523 with Apocalypse Woodcuts by Hans Burgkmair,” beginning Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.
The exhibition features the Seminary’s newly acquired 1523 German New Testament as translated by Martin Luther. This third edition was the first of the Augsburg editions to include the full cycle of Apocalypse woodcuts by Hans Burgkmair. The Bible will be displayed with explanatory text to offer a unique glimpse into the Reformation’s transformative impact on Scripture accessibility.
“This German New Testament, printed in Augsburg in 1523, demonstrates the popularity and rapid dissemination of Luther’s translation,” said Dr. Paul Robinson [2], professor of Historical Theology. “It is a significant addition to our extensive collection of rare Lutheran theological texts.”
A distinctive feature of this edition is its striking Apocalypse woodcut illustrations by Hans Burgkmair, renowned Renaissance artist and contemporary of Albrecht Dürer. These images from the Book of Revelation will be highlighted in both the exhibit and a digital slideshow presentation, which will be viewable in the exhibit space and available online.
In addition to the 1523 Luther Bible, the exhibit will showcase other early printed Bibles from the Seminary’s rare book collection, tracing the evolution of biblical printing and translation across the centuries.
The exhibit, which is free, will be open during regular library hours [3]. The public is invited to come and see! Visitors will be provided with informative pamphlets detailing the historical and theological significance of the 1523 New Testament.
About the Kristine Kay Hasse Memorial Library
Concordia Seminary’s Hasse Library is one of the top theological libraries in the United States and the largest Lutheran library in North America. It serves the campus community as a robust center of teaching, learning and theological research as it carries out its mission to inspire theological discovery through outstanding resources and service. Of note, the Hasse Library houses more than 6,000 volumes in its rare book collection [4], including composer J.S. Bach’s personal, annotated Bible.
About Concordia Seminary
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis provides Gospel-centered graduate-level theological education for pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and other leaders in the name of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) [5]. To learn more, visit csl.edu [6].