Book Tower: Ghent's Tower of Wisdom

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Explore Ghent's iconic Book Tower: a modernist architectural gem housing millions of books and offering panoramic city views.

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Book Tower

The Book Tower (Boekentoren) is a striking modernist masterpiece designed by Henry van de Velde, serving as the Ghent University Library. Housing over 3 million books, this iconic structure offers panoramic city views and stands as a symbol of knowledge and architectural innovation.

A brief summary to Book Tower

Rozier 9, Ghent, Arrondissement of Ghent, 9000, BE
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Monday 8 am-8 pm
Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
Thursday 8 am-8 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Book Tower.

Visit during the weekdays to avoid large crowds and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
Check the official website for information on guided tours and access to the Belvedere.
Explore the library's online collections for a glimpse into its extensive resources.

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Getting There

Walking

From Sint-Pietersplein, walk north along the square, then turn left onto Sint-Amandsstraat. Continue onto Voldersstraat, then turn right onto Rozier. The Book Tower will be on your right. This is approximately a 5-minute walk. No costs involved.
Public Transport

From Gent-Sint-Pieters train station, take tram line 1 and alight at 'Verlorenkost'. From there, walk a short distance to Rozier 9. A single ticket costs €2.50 and is valid for 60 minutes. Contactless payment is also available on De Lijn buses and trams for €3.
Taxi

Taxis are available at Gent-Sint-Pieters train station. A taxi ride to the Book Tower will cost approximately €14.40, with a starting price of €4.90 and €1.90 per kilometer. Note that prices may vary depending on the taxi company and time of day.

Discover more about Book Tower

Rising 64 meters above Ghent, the Book Tower, or Boekentoren, is a celebrated landmark and a testament to modernist architecture. Designed by Belgian architect Henry van de Velde in the 1930s, it functions as the central library for Ghent University, housing an impressive collection of over 3 million books, manuscripts, and other materials.Commissioned in 1933, the Book Tower was intended to house the Ghent University Library and various academic institutes. Van de Velde situated the building on the Blandijnberg, the highest point in the city, allowing him to create Ghent's 'fourth tower'. Constructed from concrete using sliding shuttering, the tower's design incorporates a Greek cross shape, symbolizing the connection between time and space.The Book Tower's interior is as remarkable as its exterior. The design merges the tower’s vertical lines with horizontal elements found in open books and reading room layouts. The building includes a main reading room and a manuscript room. A bronze fox terrier sculpture, created by Greta van Puyenbroeck, sits atop the Book Tower, adding a touch of whimsy to the structure. The Belvedere offers panoramic views of the city.Following a restoration project led by Robbrecht en Daem, the Book Tower has been revitalized as a vibrant hub for students and researchers. The restoration included expanding the book depository with subterranean spaces, overhauling technical installations, and replacing the concrete layer on the facades.