STAR TREK: DISCOVERY's Eternal Gallery is Real and Right Here on Earth

Toronto’s Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library as featured in STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Image: Paramount+.

You can visit the Eternal Gallery and Archive, and you don't even have to navigate the Badlands to do it.

The University of Toronto's Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library has transcended its academic boundaries to star as the "Eternal Archive" in the latest episode of Star Trek: Discovery. This unique collaboration marries the pursuit of knowledge both onscreen and off, transforming the library not just into a set but into a vital character in the storied universe of Star Trek.

In a media release from the University of Toronto, it's revealed that the library's brutalist architecture and vast collections of manuscripts and volumes made it the ideal backdrop for the episode titled "Labyrinths." Michael Cassabon, director of advancement at U of T Libraries, emphasized the synergy between the university's values and the ethos of Star Trek, stating, "The Star Trek future represents a lot of what we’re trying to materialize."

The decision to film at the Fisher Library was driven by its fitting resemblance to a futuristic repository of universal knowledge, as described by Star Trek: Discovery’s location manager, Melissa Warry-Smith. 

"Not only does [Fisher Library] look like it is from the future and could in fact have been plucked directly from the Star Trek universe, but the library’s commitment to preservation and the pursuit of knowledge is intrinsic to the core values of Star Trek," she said.

The episode’s plot sends the crew of the USS Discovery on an interstellar scavenger hunt, with the final clue hidden within the "Eternal Archive." This plot mirrors the real-world academic explorations at U of T, where researchers utilize innovative techniques to uncover hidden stories within the Fisher Library’s extensive archives.

Shooting the pivotal scenes required meticulous planning to protect the library's precious resources. Filming occurred overnight to minimize disruptions, and the crew implemented strict protocols, including the use of heat-free lighting to safeguard the delicate materials.

For Cassabon, participating in the filming was a surreal experience. 

"These are my childhood heroes," he shared, reflecting on the moments he spent on set. His excitement underscores a deeper connection, highlighting the influence of Star Trek on generations of scholars and dreamers who look to the stars for inspiration.

The episode, dedicated to "librarians everywhere, dedicated to the preservation of artifacts, knowledge, and truth," not only pays homage to the guardians of history but also to the enduring legacy of Star Trek in championing diversity, inclusivity, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.