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.

Catalogue

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Antwerp

The Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library collects all publications about the city of Antwerp and its history.

Press

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About us

The Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library is located in Antwerp’s bustling city centre. For over five centuries, the library has been collecting and preserving Flemish cultural heritage.

Mission

Collecting and preserving Flemish cultural heritage and granting public access to this collection, for a wide, contemporary and future audience. For decades, the Hendrik Conscience Library has pursued this mission, the very justification of its existence, now and in the future.

History

The building and the collection both are considered Flemish heritage. The story of the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library started in 1481, with 41 books. Today it is one of the most important heritage libraries in Flanders.

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.

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.

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.