The Art of Edward Gorey at Athenaeum opens Feb. 9

The Boston Athenæum presents “Elegant Enigmas: The Art of Edward Gorey,” Feb. 9 through June 4.

Edward Gorey’s voracious consumption of literature, his love of the ballet, and his offbeat and wry view of the world resulted in a sardonic and witty oeuvre. This exhibition explores the diversity of Gorey’s art through original pen and ink illustrations, preparatory sketches, unpublished drawings, and ephemera.

The recommended donation is $5. Members are admitted at no charge.

The Boston Athenaeum is at 10 ½ Beacon Street on Beacon Hill near the State House.

Gallery hours are Mondays and Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (617) 227-0270 or visit www.bostonathenaeum.org. Members of the press are invited to attend a special press preview of the exhibition on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011, at 10 a.m.

For information about membership, including discounted membership for young people, visit www.bostonathenaeum.org.