The Plantin-Moretus Museum sits at Vrijdagmarkt 22 in Antwerp, Flanders, in the old house and workshop of a printing and publishing family. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is known for showing what is described as the world's oldest printing workshop and publishing house.
What you will see
- Original printing presses, shown in the workshop where they were used.
- An extensive collection of historical books.
- The setting of the house itself, which lets you see how the business was run as well as how the books were made.
For many visitors the appeal is the chance to see the tools and the books together. Printing is easier to understand when you stand beside the presses and then look at the pages they produced.
Making the most of a visit
The museum is a good fit for anyone interested in books, printing, or the history of publishing, and it suits a slower visit rather than a quick stop. Its location on Vrijdagmarkt places it in the centre of Antwerp, so it is easy to combine with a walk through the old town. If you want to check the current opening arrangements before you travel, the museum can be reached by telephone at +32 3 221 14 50.
