Illuminated manuscripts, across all faith traditions, were usually considered the highest form of art during the era of their creation. Often, the use of vibrant colors like blue, red and gold were a way to express an individual’s authority or a community’s wealth.

Even if “history and culture” are not your thing, illuminated sacred texts are gorgeous and worth learning about just to enjoy their beauty. Many manuscripts are very sensitive to light, however, so most museums do not keep permanent galleries. Instead, collections rotate in and out of view, or can be enjoyed exclusively in digital form.