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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fellowship Programme

Early printed books in Antwerp

The Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library and the Museum Plantin-Moretus (Antwerp) are pleased to launch a new call for applications for our fellowship programme. We will award two travel grants for research into the history of the early printed book (15th-18th century) in Antwerp, with the gracious support of the Thierry and Frédéric Nottebohm Grant of the Nottebohm Family Foundation.

Venue rental and filming

Our stunning Nottebohm Room is the perfect setting for a lecture, a seminar, a film shoot or a book launch. You can also rent the Eekhoud Cabinet.