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Become a patron with your business

Would you like to support our library with your business? You can do so through the Patronage Fund for Books and Literature. Your general or project-related donation will demonstrate your social engagement and enable us to purchase and preserve paper heritage.
Vrienden en schenkers

Friends and donors

The Heritage Library has numerous friends and donors. Would you like to join them in supporting us? You can do so by donating books, getting involved as a volunteer or by making a financial donation.

Barokke Influencers campagnebeeld - zicht op de Sodaliteit

Baroque Influencers

Jesuits, Rubens and the Art of Persuasion

Today, the Nottebohm Room is the most ornate room at the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library. But did you know that 250 years ago a miraculous chapel could be found here? It was very popular with Antwerp's elite, including Rubens and Van Dyck. The exhibition brings this mysterious location back to life. 

Practical information

Do you intend to visit our library to consult a publication or visit our stunning Nottebohm Room? Below you can find all the practical information you need, from the opening hours to information for wheelchair users and accessibility.

About the Nottebohm Room

The Nottebohm Room is one of the best-kept secrets in Antwerp. It is located in the oldest part of the library and was originally built in 1936 as a ceremonial room. Besides being a book repository and exhibition gallery, it is also used to preserve special donations and collection items. It owes its name to an Antwerp patron of the arts, called Oscar Nottebohm.

A virtual visit to the Nottebohm Room

Hidden gem now available online

The Nottebohm Room is a true hidden gem. Visit this magical room from home.

Bound by Imagination

Exposition in the Nottebohm room

In the light of the 100-year anniversary of the book art degree promgramme at the Academy of Berchem, we will showcase the expo 'Bound by Imagination' during our summer opening. An exhibition of 100 books, bound by former and current students and teachers of the academy. 

Two international scientists receive travel grant to Antwerp (2025-2026)

Two international scientists receive travel grant to conduct research in Antwerp in the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library and the museum Plantin-Moretus.

Requesting loans

Loan a book to exhibit it? Find out how to request a loan.

Closing days

The Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library reading room welcomes you throughout the year – except for a few public holidays and on Sundays.