An experience 'by the book': every visitor has the right to that. And that requires good preparation. On this page, you will find an overview of the most frequently asked questions our staff receive. Perhaps yours is on the list? Click on it and you'll find the answer you were looking for. That way, you'll be fully prepared for an unforgettable journey of discovery through the museum.
Ticket prices vary from €8 to €12, depending on various factors such as age, number of people and profession. Students and senior citizens pay less, for example. With a teacher's card, museum pass or ICOM card, admission is even free. Check our webshop for all rates and packages for each category.
Preferably online. That way, you're always guaranteed a spot. You can also buy tickets at the reception desk, but be aware that there may be waiting times. For more questions about ticketing, please contact booking@antwerpen.be, +32 3 339 47 00 (open during office hours).
No, this is always included in your ticket.
Yes, you don't need a ticket to visit the garden. Please enquire first at the reception desk.
Don't worry, your ticket is valid for the whole day. Try to arrive on time, so that visitors are nicely spread out. Have you booked a guide? Don't keep them (and the rest of the group) waiting.
Yes, you can. When you arrive, you are given a wristband as proof of payment. This is valid for the entire day and you can easily leave and come back in with it. So feel free to take a coffee or lunch break at one of the cosy cafés in the neighbourhood, and then continue your visit.
Unfortunately not. Would you like to visit several museums, monuments and attractions in Antwerp? Then purchase an Antwerp City Pass. This gives you access to more than 20 attractions in the city. A Museum Pass gives you even more advantages, and you can visit no fewer than 270 Belgian museums for a whole year. Whenever and as often as you like.
Our staff at the reception desk will be happy to help you purchase a museum pass. The Antwerp City Pass cannot be purchased here. It is only available online or at a Visit Antwerp desk (e.g. at Centraal Station or Het Steen).
You can pay with Bancontact, Mastercard, Maestro, VISA, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Payconiq and V PAY. Both online and at the reception desk. We do not accept cash or American Express.
Once ordered, we do not offer refunds or exchanges. We only cancel visits in exceptional circumstances. In such cases, you will receive a refund or you can choose another time.
That partly depends on how you visit the museum: individually or in a group, with or without a guide, and via the conventional or playful audio tour. Expect it to take around 90 minutes on average.
The museum is open until 5 p.m. Since a visit takes about 90 minutes, there is little point in buying a ticket at 4 p.m.
No, bags are not allowed in the museum. There are lockers in the entrance area, but there is a limited number and capacity. Is one available and does everything fit in? Then definitely use them so that you can visit the museum in complete freedom. Remember to take your bags with you when you head into the city.
Yes, you can. However, please do not use flash photography in order to protect our valuable heritage. Tripods and drones are not authorised. Please note: you can only use the images for your own personal use. Would you like to film or take photographs for commercial purposes? Please contact us in advance.
Paper is very fragile and sensitive to light. The books and documents in the museum have significant historical value. By keeping the museum dark, we protect the paper heritage from damage, discolouration and wear and tear. That is also why we regularly turn the pages of the books on display, or change books. That way, there is always something new to discover at the museum.
To be honest, we really can't compete with the cool vibe of the Vrijdagmarkt. You will find a wide range of restaurants and cafés on this lively square. Ideal for a coffee or lunch break. With the wristband you got at the desk, you can then simply continue your journey of discovery through the museum.
To protect the historic rooms, eating and/or drinking is not permitted throughout the premises. Not in the garden either.
Of course. As an international attraction, the museum offers several languages:
Via this link (Spotify) you can listen to both the explanations about the collection and the radio play about Plantin and his family. Having technical problems? The staff at the reception desk will be happy to help you.
Due to its protected status and complex structure, with many small steps, we are unable to equip the building with a lift. As such, the first floor is not accessible to wheelchair users, walkers and buggies. However, on the ground floor, we provide a full experience via an alternative route and a video on everything that can be seen on the upper floors. If you need to take this route, your admission ticket will be cheaper. Your companion can even enter for free.
Unfortunately, that is not possible. However, please contact the reception desk. They have a wheelchair available for loan, which you can use to explore the ground floor and the garden.
No, it is best to leave these outside. You can park them safely in the bicycle shed at the front of the museum.
Despite the fact there are historic cat flaps, pets are no longer admitted. Neither in the museum, nor in the shop or garden. Not in a carry box or animal pushchair either. Only assistance dogs are exempted from this rule.
Thank you for considering us. There are various ways to support the museum: as a friend, volunteer, sponsor or donor. Read here to find out which option is best for you. Whatever you choose, we are very grateful! Thanks to your contribution, we can keep this important piece of heritage intact for future generations.
The Museum Plantin-Moretus takes you on a journey through time, exploring the life of this centuries-old family of printers and their revolutionary business. You will discover how they lived and worked. With each other and others. On the one hand, everything seems exactly as it was back then, but on the other hand, contemporary technologies bring the story to life. And it's not just about 'seeing'. Roll up your sleeves and discover all the secrets of the art of printing. Want to know more? View the full offering here.
The museum regularly hosts additional activities and exhibitions. Want to know what's on the agenda? Check out the full calendar now.
No, you can only take part in a guided tour as part of a group that has booked a tour.
There is! The shop offers original gifts and personal souvenirs of your visit. Notice: the shop closes at 16.50 hours.
You can find out more info on this website and via a number of specialised works found in the shop. Did you know that the reading room is open to everyone? Here you can request and view scientific publications and collection items. Remember to reserve your spot in advance.
How exciting! Feel free to write a message in the guest book in the stairwell. You can also do this online via our social media, Tripadvisor or Google. Don't hesitate to, because your feedback is very important to us. Based on your feedback, we can improve the experience for future visitors.
You and your companions form a group once there are 12 or more people. Groups visit the museum at a discount. Check the webshop for tariffs. Please note: a group consists of maximum 15 people.
No. It is best to make a reservation at one of the restaurants on the Vrijdagmarkt. Or let your participants decide for themselves. There is something for everyone.
That's now easier than ever. Go to the webshop, book your guide or activity, and confirm by making your payment. Please note: don't just book the guide, but also an individual ticket for each participant.
You can organise your class visit in no time via the webshop. With or without a guide. Indicate the composition of your group and confirm your booking.
Only when a teacher conducts the tour is admission completely free. For a guided tour, you don't pay admission, but you do pay for the guide. In either case, you need to request your visit in advance via the webshop.
The museum has a reading room. Here you can view items from the collection yourself, provided you make a request in advance. Would you rather view the collection from home or from your work or study location? Consult our collections here.
More than you can imagine. How about tens of thousands of historical books and publications, centuries-old printing presses and materials, more than 75,000 prints and drawings by famous masters from Antwerp, the impressive art collection of the Plantin-Moretus family and a UNESCO-protected company archive? Almost too much to list. But we will make an attempt here.
Each item in the collection has been professionally photographed in detail for our online database. Looking for an image for your research or study? Submit your request here.
It's understandable that you think of us. Send your questions – along with a clear photo – to our competent curators. Please note: they do not provide estimates. For this, it is best to contact the Belgian Antiquarian Booksellers Association. Want to get started yourself? Dig through our sub-collections or visit our reading room for further research.
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Please contact us and our staff will be happy to help you.
