Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex in Belgium

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Museum Plantin-Moretus

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2005
Size of heritage:

Coordinates:
Longitude: 4,398°
Latitude: 51,218°

Summary

The Plantin-Moretus Museum is a printing plant and publishing house dating from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Situated in Antwerp, one of the three leading cities of early European printing along with Paris and Venice, it is associated with the history of the invention and spread of typography. Its name refers to the greatest printer-publisher of the second half of the 16th century: Christophe Plantin (c. 1520–89). The monument is of outstanding architectural value. It contains exhaustive evidence of the life and work of what was the most prolific printing and publishing house in Europe in the late 16th century. The building of the company, which remained in activity until 1867, contains a large collection of old printing equipment, an extensive library, invaluable archives and works of art, among them a painting by Rubens.

Location on Map

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Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex: A Glimpse into the History of Printing

The Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex, located in the captivating city of Antwerp in the Flanders Region of Belgium, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a fascinating insight into the history of printing. This complex, which includes the former residence and printing workshop of the Plantin-Moretus family, is a testament to the significant role Antwerp played in the development of the printing industry during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The history of the Plantin-Moretus House dates back to the mid-16th century when Christophe Plantin, a skilled bookbinder and printer, established his printing business in Antwerp. Plantin's workshop quickly gained recognition for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship, attracting renowned scholars and artists from across Europe. The Plantin-Moretus family continued to expand the business, and their printing press became one of the most influential in Europe during the Renaissance.

The Plantin-Moretus House, a magnificent Renaissance building, served as both a residence and a workplace for the family. The house itself is a remarkable example of 16th-century architecture, with its ornate façade and beautifully decorated interiors. The printing workshop, located within the complex, contains original printing presses, typefaces, and other tools used during the era, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to witness the printing process as it was practiced centuries ago.

Today, the Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex stands as a living museum, preserving the rich heritage of the printing industry. The museum houses an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and prints, including some of the earliest printed works in existence. Visitors can explore the various rooms of the house, including the family's living quarters, the printing workshop, and the library, which contains over 25,000 volumes.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Gutenberg Bible, one of the most famous and valuable books in the world. This rare edition, printed by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century, is a testament to the revolutionary impact of the printing press on society. The museum also showcases works by renowned artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, who collaborated with the Plantin-Moretus family on numerous projects.

Address
Distance: 0,1 mi
Steenhouwersvest 55
2000 Antwerp
Belgium

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 21:00
Weekend: 8:00 - 18:00 (lunchbreak: 21:00 - 8:00)

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