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Out and about in Antwerp

There is always something to discover in a diverse city like Antwerp. Maybe you think that you know all of the secrets of Antwerp or maybe you are a newcomer. It doesn’t matter how well you know Antwerp because we will let you discover a different side of the city’s many tourist attractions and will take you on a tour of the Eilandje, the new trendy district. So Antwerp continues to be an adventure for everyone!

A bird’s eye view of Antwerp

Every district of Antwerp consists of a wonderful mix of historical buildings and modern architecture. To see all of this beauty you actually would need wings. But fortunately there are several places, both high up in the air and on the ground, to see as much as possible of the city.

Picnic spots in Antwerp

On sunny days it is always fun to put together a picnic basket and eat outside. But it is not always that easy to find a quiet place for a picnic in the city. Fortunately we have a list of some of the nicest picnic sports in Antwerp. And we even have a solution for rainy days!

Verhoeven newspapers digitized

The Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library has a large collection of newspapers. A highlight is the collection of early newspapers published by the Antwerp engraver and printer Abraham Verhoeven (1575-1652). All of Verhoeven’s publications in our collection have been digitized.

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. 

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.

Two international scientists get travel grant to Antwerp (2024-2025)

For the fifth time already, two foreign researchers will receive a travel grant to come to Antwerp for their research on the history of the printed book.

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.

Behind-the-scenes tour

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

    Saturday 7 February 2026 from 10:30 to 12:00
    Saturday 7 February 2026 from 13:00 to 14:30
    Saturday 7 March 2026 from 10:30 to 12:00
    Saturday 7 March 2026 from 13:00 to 14:30
    Saturday 4 April 2026 from 10:30 to 12:00
    Saturday 4 April 2026 from 13:00 to 14:30
    Saturday 2 May 2026 from 10:30 to 12:00
    Saturday 2 May 2026 from 13:00 to 14:30
    Saturday 5 September 2026 from 10:30 to 12:00
    Saturday 5 September 2026 from 13:00 to 14:30
    Saturday 3 October 2026 from 10:30 to 12:00
    Saturday 3 October 2026 from 13:00 to 14:30
    Saturday 7 November 2026 from 10:30 to 12:00
    Saturday 7 November 2026 from 13:00 to 14:30
    Saturday 5 December 2026 from 10:30 to 12:00
    Saturday 5 December 2026 from 13:00 to 14:30