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Plantin-Moretus Museum: A Window into Printing History

Explore the legacy of 16th-century printing at this UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring original presses, rare books, and stunning art collections.

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Step back in time at the Plantin-Moretus Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Antwerp, Belgium, showcasing the lives and work of 16th-century printers Christophe Plantin and Jan Moretus. Explore the original printing presses, extensive libraries, and exquisite art collections within their former home and workshop.

A brief summary to Plantin-Moretus Museum

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
  • Take advantage of the audio guide included in the ticket price for an in-depth tour.
  • Don't miss the original printing presses; they are a highlight of the museum.
  • Explore the museum's garden for a relaxing break.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Plantin-Moretus Museum is located in the city center, a 5-minute walk from Groenplaats. From the Grote Markt, walk south towards the Groenplaats and follow the Vrijdagmarkt to find the museum on your left. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    The Plantin-Moretus Museum is easily accessible by public transport. Take tram lines 3, 5, 9, or 15 to the Meir stop, or tram lines 4 or 7 to the Lange Gasthuisstraat stop. From either stop, it's a short walk to the museum. Alternatively, take the DeWaterbus to the Steenplein stop, which is a 500-meter walk to the museum. A single tram or bus ticket costs approximately €3.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Antwerp. A taxi ride from Antwerp Central Station to the Plantin-Moretus Museum typically takes around 5 minutes and costs between €10-€13.

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Discover more about Plantin-Moretus Museum

The Plantin-Moretus Museum, nestled in the heart of Antwerp, offers a captivating journey into the world of 16th-century printing and publishing. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once the home and workshop of Christophe Plantin and his son-in-law Jan Moretus, pioneering figures in the printing industry. Founded in 1555 by Christophe Plantin, the Plantin Press, known as 'De Gulden Passer' (The Golden Compasses), rose to become one of Europe's leading printing houses. Plantin, a key figure in humanist printing, produced the eight-volume Plantin Polyglot Bible, a complex work featuring Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, and Syriac texts. The museum's collections feature rare books, including a Gutenberg Bible, early atlases, and the first Dutch dictionary. Visitors can explore the original printing presses, some of the oldest in the world, and gain insight into the intricate process of bookmaking. The museum also houses an extensive library with over 30,000 books, illustrated manuscripts, and other treasures of European printing. The family's living quarters showcase period furnishings and portraits by Peter Paul Rubens, offering a glimpse into their domestic life. The Plantin-Moretus Museum is more than just a historical site; it's a vibrant cultural center that hosts exhibitions, guided tours, and workshops for visitors of all ages. It is located on the lively Vrijdagmarkt square, surrounded by restaurants and cafes, and close to shopping streets and other attractions.

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