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.

Flanders Heritage Library

The Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library is the proud partner, promoter and host institution of the Flanders Heritage Library, a network of heritage libraries.

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.

Help out as a volunteer or intern

Would you like to lend us a hand in preserving our heritage? We would be delighted to welcome you as a volunteer or intern.

Precious items

A few rules of thumb to consult rare books or valuable items.

Making reproductions

You may scan, copy or photograph some items from our collection yourself. Alternatively, you can request a high-quality scan from our reproduction service.

The Blaeu globes

Two of the masterpieces in the collection of the Nottebohm Room are Blaeu’s celestial and terrestrial globes. Our online exhibition discusses their history, their maker, their relevance and their restoration.

Blaeu and his globes

The celestial and terrestrial globes of Willem Jansz. Blaeu (1571-1638) were in the 17th century praised as progressive creations in the field of cartographic techniques. The globes now at the Heritage Library were in 1836 gifted by Baron de Pret de Terveken to the City of Antwerp.