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Reading Room

Our library has a large collection of early printed books, long-forgotten periodicals and extensive reference works. While we do not loan these works, you can take a closer look at them in our Reading Room.

Miræus Lecture by Pierre Assenmaker and Valérie Leyh

Christoph Plantin, a player in a multilingual book market. A tour through the Namur collection of Plantin editions

During this lecture in English, Pierre Assenmaker and Valérie Leyh explore multilingualism and translation in Plantin's work as a printer and publisher.

Become a friend or make a donation

You can join our association of friends, the Endowment Fund for Books and Literature, or you can make a donation.

Guided tour behind the scenes

For groups

Take a look behind the scenes of the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library with your group or association and learn more about our fascinating history and comprehensive collection.

Treasures of the Nottebohm Room

Guided tour for groups

Visit one of the most beautiful and prestigious library spaces with your association or group. A guide will take you through the history of the building and explain the special books kept there.

Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library

The library for Dutch literature, Flemish cultural heritage and the history of Antwerp

The library for Dutch literature, the history of Antwerp, and Flemish cultural heritage

The Nottebohm Room is open to individual visitors from July 1 until September 15, 2025

The Nottebohm Room is a hidden gem. This prestigious library space shines in all its facets. In the summer of 2025 you can discover the magic of this unique place in the heart of Antwerp on your own.

The Nottebohm Room is open to individual visitors from 1 July to 15 September 2025

This summer, the Nottebohm Room is opening its doors once again for the public to enjoy.

Beyond the Book

This summer, step into the magical Nottebohm Room and explore a unique selection of bibliophile editions and artists’ publications from our special collections.

    Tuesday 1 July 2025 until Monday 15 September 2025 from 13:00 to 17:00

Behind-the-scenes tour

What goes on in a historic preservation library? Find out during our behind-the-scenes tours.
 

    Saturday 7 June 2025 from 10:30 to 12:00
    Saturday 7 June 2025 from 13:00 to 14:30
    Soldout Saturday 6 September 2025 from 10:30 to 12:00
    Soldout Saturday 6 September 2025 from 13:00 to 14:30