Museum Plantin Moretus

A must see for book lovers! This museum is all about the history of the printing press.

Sadly, books don’t grow on trees. It’s a whole process to make them and Museum Plantin Moretus walks you through the history of book publishing. They have the oldest printing presses in the world. The printing press of the 1600s really changed everything, you know?

This museum is really for the ones that love learning about history and reading all the little plaques (it’s not the most interactive, so know where your museum interests lie!).

• The museum was home and studio to the Plantin-Moretus printing family. So the whole first floor focuses on the history of the family and the publishing house.
• You’ll see portraits of the Plantin and Moretus family. Although Christopher Moretus and Balthasar I Moretus started it all, the museum goes in-depth on their descendants too.
• You’ll also find six other printing presses that are in actual working order. This publishing house was the biggest of its time and employed more than a hundred people.
• The museum has a large library for you to browse. It’s in the style of a 17th century private library. In other words, the dark academia aesthetic is on full display. If you're a fan of literary aesthetics, check out The Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library
• The garden is a pretty little thing. It’s a small courtyard, but it’s got plenty of character. It still follows the early 17th century style, including the actual plants and how they’re arranged.
• Who doesn’t love a random mystery? There’s a mysterious family heirloom that looks like a bat decorated with bells, ribbon, and a symbolic painting. Its purpose is totally unknown! It’s on display inside the house.
• See even more of Antwerp's history at Snijders & Rockox House and Rubens House