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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.
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.

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

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.

Zicht Nottebohmzaal met focus op twee globes van Blaeu

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

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.