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.

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.

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.

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

Donate your book or collection

There is no better place for unique books and special collections than the Heritage Library. We therefore welcome donations that will complement our existing collection with open arms.

The Nottebohm Room

As well as being used for book storage and as an exhibition space, the Nottebohm Room is also the place where some of the highlights of the collection are kept. It is only open to individual visitors from July 1 until September 15, 2025.

Contact us

Contact us with your questions or for further information. You can use our general contact details for this. Contact one of our employees directly for specific questions.

Collection

The Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library spans more than five centuries of Antwerp and Flemish history. Its unique and complete collection encompasses rare old editions as well as more contemporary publications and popular, contemporary periodicals, on paper, microfilm or in digital form.

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.

The Library

In onze leeszaal kunt u alle collectiestukken van de Erfgoedbibliotheek Hendrik Conscience raadplegen. U kunt er ook onze digitale databanken doorzoeken en reproducties laten maken. En voor wie meer in detail kennis wil maken met de bibliotheek en haar erfgoedcollecties zijn er onze introductiesessies of workshops.