Plantin-Moretus Museum: an immersion into the world of printing and art

If you are interested in museums in Belgium and especially museums in Antwerp, the Plantin-Moretus Museum is a real find. This unique museum is not just an exhibition, but a living history of printing that captivates every visitor into the world of books, art and culture. The legacy of one of the most influential publishing dynasties in Europe has been preserved here, making the museum a special place for lovers of both history and literature.

History of the creation of the museum

The Plantin-Moretus Museum, which you can visit in Antwerp, has a long and rich history, closely linked to the development of printing in Europe. This museum, located in the building of one of the oldest printing houses in the world, tells the story of one of the most influential publishing families.

Stages of creation:

• 1555: Christophe Plantin founds his printing house in Antwerp, marking a turning point for printing in Europe. His business quickly gains popularity due to the high quality and volume of books he produces.
• After Christoph’s death, the printing house is inherited by his son-in-law, Jan Moretus, who not only continues the business, but also expands it. He makes the printing house a world center of book printing, and the publishing house’s reputation continues to grow.
• The heyday (16th-17th centuries). At this time, the printing house printed books for many European countries, and also produced rare manuscripts and handwritten copies for collectors. At this time, the most famous editions appeared, which are still considered valuable copies.
• 1876: The last descendant of the Moretus family sells the printing house to the city of Antwerp, and it soon becomes a museum, opening its doors to the public.
• 2005: The Plantin-Moretus Museum was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, highlighting its importance as a cultural and historical site.

The Plantin-Moretus Museum is not just a monument to book printing, but also an important cultural institution that reflects the development of technology and culture in Europe. Visiting this museum, you will not only see rare artifacts, but also feel the atmosphere of the era when printing played a key role in the dissemination of knowledge. The collection and exhibits of the museum continue to attract thousands of people from all over the world, preserving the memory of the most important stages in the history of book printing.

Interesting fact: The Plantin-Moretus Museum is the only museum in the world included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Location, how to get there

The museum is located in the heart of Antwerp, close to the picturesque river Scheldt. It can be reached by public transport, making it convenient for both locals and tourists. Address: Vrijdagmarkt 22, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.

How to get there:

• Lines 3, 9 and 15, get off at the Groenplaats stop. From there it’s about a 5-minute walk to the museum. Line 4: get off at the Sint-Katelijne stop. From there it’s about a 7-minute walk to the museum.
• Buses: Bus routes 22, 180, 181, 182 and 183. They also stop at Groenplaats – from there you are only 450 metres from the museum.
• On foot. If you are in the centre of Antwerp, you can walk from the main square Grote Markt to the museum in 7-10 minutes. As you walk along the streets with historical buildings, you will immediately notice the signs leading to the museum. It is a pleasant and interesting route for walking, as it passes through the lively quarters of the old town.

The Plantin-Moretus Museum is easily accessible for both locals and tourists thanks to its excellent location in the centre of Antwerp and its good connections to the city’s transport network. Whether you’re on public transport or on foot, the museum is within walking distance of the city’s main attractions, making it a convenient and must-see stop on your itinerary.

Interesting fact: The museum building served as home to the Plantin family for several centuries, and its original layout has remained virtually unchanged.

Description of the collection

The Plantin-Moretus Museum collection is unique and covers a vast part of the history of printing and publishing. The core of the collection is the original 16th-century printing presses, which are among the oldest preserved in the world. The museum also has a huge archive, including more than 30,000 books printed in this printing house.

Main sections of the collection:

• The original printing presses. Some of the oldest in the world, they were used as early as the era of Plantin and Moretus. This is a unique opportunity to see what the printing process looked like in the 16th century.
• Rare books and manuscripts. The collection includes some of the first books printed in Europe. Among them are works on theology, medicine, science and classical literature.
• Engravings and Printing Stamps: Over 1,600 original copper plates and stamps used to illustrate books make for an interesting section for art lovers.
• The museum is proud of its oldest library, which contains many rare books, many of which have great historical and cultural value.
• Map Collection. The museum also has a collection of old maps and atlases that show how the world was perceived and depicted in those days.

The Plantin-Moretus Museum collection allows visitors to literally immerse themselves in the heyday of printing. Each exhibition is carefully designed and allows you to better understand how printing and book publishing developed in Europe. In this museum, you will not only be able to see old presses and books, but also to feel the spirit of the time when science and culture took their first steps through printed pages.

Interesting fact: the museum still houses two original 16th-century printing presses, the oldest in the world.

Exhibitions and other events

In addition to its permanent collection, the Plantin-Moretus Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that allow visitors to delve deeper into various aspects of book printing and the history of publishing. The topics of temporary exhibitions can range from rare editions to unique aspects of book art, such as illustrations, graphic techniques and fonts.

Main types of events:

• Thematic exhibitions. The museum often holds temporary exhibitions devoted to particular aspects of its collection or related themes. This could be the history of printing or the art of book illustration.
• Master classes. Master classes for children and adults are held on a regular basis, where you can learn ancient printing techniques and try yourself as a typographer.
• Lectures and excursions. Lectures and excursions around the museum are periodically organized with the participation of experts who share unique knowledge about the development of printing and publishing in Europe.

The museum is actively involved in the cultural life of Antwerp, organizing various events in cooperation with other institutions. These may include musical evenings, thematic meetings or special programs dedicated to specific events in the history of art and science. In addition, the museum regularly hosts children’s educational programs, allowing children to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of printing.

The exhibitions and events at the Plantin-Moretus Museum allow visitors to learn more about the cultural and historical significance of printing and publishing. The museum constantly updates its exhibitions and invites to unique events, making every visit special. Visitors can not only see the collection, but also take part in interactive programs that make the museum a vibrant and relevant cultural centre for Antwerp.

Fun fact: The Plantin-Moretus Museum hosts interactive printing demonstrations, allowing visitors to see how ancient printing presses worked.

Ticket prices, opening hours

The museum is open to visitors every day, except for some public holidays. Entrance tickets are available for all categories of visitors, with discounts available for children, students and pensioners.

Useful information for tourists:

• Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (closed on Mondays).
• Ticket prices: adults – 10 euros, students and pensioners – 6 euros, children under 12 free.
• Official website. http://www.museumplantinmoretus.be.
• Contact phone: +32 3 221 14 50.
• E-mail: museum.plantin.moretus@antwerpen.be.

The cost of tickets and opening hours of the Plantin-Moretus Museum depend on the category of visitors and the season, which allows you to plan your visit flexibly. The museum is open all year round, with the exception of some holidays, and the available discounts make it attractive to different groups of visitors.

Interesting fact: every first Wednesday of the month after 13:00 admission to the museum is free for all visitors.