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Painters & Writers: 50 years of gallery De Zwarte Panter

Gallery De Zwarte Panter has reached its fiftieth year. Painters & Writers provides an impressive overview of 117 book illustration collections and artists’ books that have been published since the gallery's opening.

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.

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.

Press

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The Nottebohm Room

The Nottebohm Room is a hidden gem. The first 150,000 items in the library’s catalogue are preserved here in a breath-taking, historical setting. The doors only swing open for exhibitions, lectures, concerts or guided tours. And when they do, it’s like a breath of magic.

The Nottebohm Room

The Nottebohm Room is a hidden gem. The first 150,000 items in the library’s catalogue are preserved here in a breath-taking, historical setting. The doors only swing open for exhibitions, lectures, concerts or guided tours. And when they do, it’s like a breath of magic.

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.

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.

Construction of Dry Docks Park and future Maritime Museum starts

The Maritime Museum will be a hands-on museum, focusing not just on exhibiting the maritime heritage but on the experience of active ship repair work and caring for the nautical heritage. The opening of the Maritime Museum is scheduled for 2023.