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Plantin-Moretus Museum: A Window into 16th-Century Printing

Explore the legacy of 16th-century printing at the Plantin-Moretus Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Antwerp's historic heart.

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Step back in time at the Plantin-Moretus Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Antwerp. Explore the former home and printing works of Christophe Plantin and his son-in-law Jan Moretus, pioneers of industrial-scale printing in the 16th century. Discover rare books, historic printing presses, and a rich collection of art.

A brief summary to Plantin-Moretus Museum

  • 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

  • An audio guide is included with your ticket, providing valuable context and insights into the museum's exhibits.
  • Allow at least two hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collections and exhibits.
  • Visit on the first Tuesday of the month for free admission with an Antwerp A-card.
  • Consider purchasing an Antwerp City Pass or Museum Pass for access to this and other museums in the city.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Plantin-Moretus Museum is located in the center of Antwerp, on Vrijdagmarkt 22, and is easily accessible on foot from many central locations. From the Grote Markt, walk south along the main street (Melkmarkt), then turn right onto Vrijdagmarkt. The museum will be on your left. From the Groenplaats, walk north-east. The museum is about a 5-minute walk. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    The Plantin-Moretus Museum is well-served by public transport. From Antwerpen-Centraal Station, take tram line 3, 5, 9 or 15 to the Groenplaats stop. Alternatively, take tram 4 or 7 to the Lange Gasthuisstraat stop. From Groenplaats it is a 5-minute walk to the museum. A single-ride ticket costs €3.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Antwerp. A taxi from Antwerpen-Centraal Station to the Plantin-Moretus Museum typically costs between €8 and €13, and the journey takes approximately 5 minutes.

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Discover more about Plantin-Moretus Museum

The Plantin-Moretus Museum, nestled in the heart of Antwerp, offers a captivating glimpse 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, who revolutionized the printing industry. Founded in 1555, Plantin's printing house, known as De Gulden Passer (The Golden Compasses), quickly rose to prominence as one of the most important in Europe. Plantin was a leading figure in contemporary printing, with interests in humanism. His eight-volume, multi-language Plantin Polyglot Bible was one of the most complex productions of the period. The museum's collections include old printing equipment, an extensive library, invaluable archives, and works of art. Visitors can explore the original printing presses, including two of the oldest in the world, dating back to around 1600. The museum also boasts a vast library with over 30,000 books, illustrated manuscripts and other treasures of European printing. Highlights include a rare copy of the fifteenth-century Chronicles of Jean Froissart, a copy of the Gutenberg Bible, the herbal produced by Dodoens, and an atlas by Ortelius. The museum also preserves a rich art collection, including portraits by Rubens. The Plantin-Moretus Museum is more than just a collection of artifacts; it's an immersive experience that brings the past to life. Wander through the historic rooms, inhale the scents of wood, leather, and ink, and imagine the bustling activity of this once-thriving center of knowledge and innovation.

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