Forgotten chansons de geste?

New acquisition of a rare 16th-century romance of chivalry

Recently a rare copy of a Dutch epic poem (chanson de geste) printed in 1576 in Antwerp turned up at an auction. With the help of the Patronage Fund for Books and Literature the Heritage Library Hendrik Conscience acquired this copy of the romance of Roncevale.

Travel grant to Antwerp awarded to two international researchers

Earlier this year, the Plantin-Moretus Museum and the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library launched a fellowship programme for research into the history of the early printed book (15th-18th century) in Antwerp. Today this scholarship is granted for the first time.

Two international scientists get travel grant to Antwerp (2024-2025)

For the fifth time already, two foreign researchers will receive a travel grant to come to Antwerp for their research on the history of the printed book.

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.

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.

Expo 'The Antwerp Songbook'

Public and research

Marie-Charlotte Le Bailly

The Heritage Library Hendrik Conscience works very differently than other libraries. Our collection consists of fragile heritage, so our consultation is adapted to that fact. Our curator of Public and Research Marie-Charlotte Le Bailly and our team in the reading room make sure that clients can find what they are looking for quickly and smoothly, either physically in the reading room or online. That is why we like to work closely with researchers. Most of the services we offer are actually free of charge as well.  

Collection management and repository work

Alexandra Noël

The Heritage Library collection is unique. More than 1.5 million volumes, of which 40.000 rare, old prints from before 1830. It is a whole task to preserve such a treasure with the utmost care for the generations to come. Alexandra Noël coordinates the preservation and management of our collection.  

Curators of old prints and manuscripts

Steven Van Impe and Marie-Charlotte Le Bailly

Old prints are books, newspapers and magazines made before the art of book printing was industrialised, which was around the 1800s. That is why every old print is unique, just like manuscripts. Each copy is separately designed, printed and bound and that is what makes them so special. Our two curators would love to help you in your research. 

Public engagement and venue rental

Leni Albertyn

Who has never heard of our Nottebohm room? The impressive historical library is famous in all of Antwerp and beyond. That is partly thanks to Leni Albertyn. Besides the regular public engagement, she also manages the rental of this unique room. This can be for lectures, guest workshops and even television recordings from here and abroad. She makes sure everyone feels welcome.