When we stayed in Antwerp to visit the Christmas market, I was looking for something to do inside, that was suitable for kids and that would take about an hour. This is when I stumbled upon Heritage Library Hendrik Conscience also known as the Erfgoedbibliotheek Hendrik Conscience. Now I appreciate this is probably not on the top of your things to do with kids in Antwerp list. Both of mine are avid bookworms and I love the smell of old books and so a visit to the Nottebohm Room suited us. I have also been doing some research into European Libraries for a future trip and so it felt that a visit to the hidden gem of the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library ticked a few boxes. Here is how we got on when we visited the Antwerp Heritage library.
Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library
The Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library is a renowned cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the literary heritage of Flanders. Named after the Flemish writer Hendrik Conscience, the library houses a wealth of historical manuscripts, books, and documents. With a focus on Dutch-language literature and an emphasis on Conscience’s contributions, the library serves as a hub for researchers, scholars, and literature enthusiasts.
The library dates back to 1481 when it was originally the repository library of the City of Antwerp. Only in 1936, was it renamed the Hendrik Conscience Library in honour of the celebrated Belgian author. The city library has undergone significant expansion and development over the years to accommodate its growing collection and to enhance its facilities for visitors and researchers. One notable expansion took place in the mid-nineteenth century when the library underwent a major renovation and enlargement to meet the increasing demand for access to its literary and flemish heritage resources. This led to the increased storage of books which today spans over three floors and is one of the most important heritage libraries in Europe.
Who was Hendrik Conscience?
As you arrive at the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library, there is a statue of the Dutch literature writer Hendrik Conscience in the square. Which also has his namesake. Hendrik Conscience was a Belgian author who is considered one of the founding fathers of Dutch-language literature in Flanders. He was born on December 3, 1812, in Antwerp, Belgium, and is best known for his historical novels, which played a significant role in the development of Flemish national consciousness.
Where is the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library located?
The Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library is situated in the city centre of Antwerp, Belgium, at Hendrik Conscienceplein 4, 2000 Antwerpen. When we visited it was our first time in the city and we found it quite easily. As well as the library and statue of the Flemish author which sits over a fountain. The square is a popular meeting place with seating often available in the Summer months. When we visited there were stalls for the Antwerp Christmas Market.
Along with the library, there is also St. Charles Borromeo Church which overlooks the square. Designed by renowned architect Pieter Huyssens, the church’s facade is hard to miss. It also has an ornate interior adorned with intricate sculptures, stunning frescoes, and elaborate decorative details, showcasing the opulence of the Baroque period.
Tickets for Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library
From what I have read elsewhere we got really lucky as I only booked our tickets a day ahead. This could be because we are travelling out of season. Plus we visited Nottebohm Room the day before Christmas Eve. So most people have something more important to be getting up to. When we visited children were free and adults cost 8€. Tickets can be booked directly from the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library website. They tend to open up several months at a time from what I can see. If you are keen to visit then I would suggest that once you have booked your hotel then this is the next thing to do on your list.
When we visited there was an exhibition on all about waffles! Therefore we could visit without a guided tour. There was a maximum of 100 tickets per time slot due to the lack of space. With times every half an hour from 10 am to 4 pm.
Tours of the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library
As well as the ability to visit the exhibition there was also the opportunity to sign up for a tour library’s collection today. Which is normally the only way you can visit. From what I could see during our visit the tour reaches the library later than the general admission tickets. As we had it to ourselves for a good ten to fifteen minutes before the tour arrived. Although they started before us. The tour will cover the story of the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library and Flemish cultural heritage. As well as the historic library space and book repository. There was not a tour in English when we visited although this may be because we were out of season. Tickets for the tour are more expensive than the exhibition gallery tickets and run at set times throughout the day.
What to expect when visiting the Heritage Antwerp Library
The Nottebohm Room is located on the second floor. The first floor is part of the public library, we saw several people studying through the glass doors when we visited.
As you walk into the large high room the smell of old books and wood hits you. It is a very masculine museum, with towering bookcases over three floors that hole the most complete collection of Dutch-language literature, history, and culture. Although you can only see two floors during your visit. The third is underfoot and inaccessible. Crafted from beautiful wood and cast iron. The pathways above are fretwork and there are carvings in the alcoves. The ground floor is also wood and creaks as you walk across it.
Several interesting exhibitions dedicated to waffles and home baking had been set up when we visited. As well as some of the older books you had the chance to buy recent publications about the cooking of waffles. I think! Since it was all in Dutch I am not 100%.
In the alcoves alone each side, there are sculptures and works of art. These are surrounded by books to the sides and behind. There are so many old volumes held within the library’s impressive collection. At one end there are a couple of globes that date back to the mid-seventeenth century. On one side there is a touch screen which explains what you can see on the globes and more information about their recent restoration. The boys were particularly fascinated by the celestial globe having never seen on before. On the other side, there is an old desk where the library used to be used as a home office by the librarian.
The Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library fast became one of our favorite buildings during our visit to Antwerp.
Tips for your visit to the Nottebohm Room
- We were greeted at the entrance which is off to the left as you look at the statue. Not behind it as I had initially thought. They were all nice people and a person at the till who could speak English to help direct us.
- You can not take bags or coats into the library. However, a cloakroom and lockers are provided free of charge.
- It is possible to take photos inside the Nottebohm Room but you need to turn the flash off your digital camera.
- No food and drink allowed.
- I was interested to see how they would be with the children but despite the security guard keeping an extra eye on us once we were in the historical library space we were left alone to explore. As long as the children behave in a reasonable manner.
- Take your mobile phone even if you are using a digital camera. As it comes in handy for Google Translate which we used to understand the exhibitions. As these were only in Flemish.
- On the first floor there is a work space in Antwerp’s local library and this should be respected. There is also the heritage library’s reading room.
- We took around half an hour to explore which was plenty with children.
Have you visited any heritage libraries in Europe? I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
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