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Meet Plantin and his family

Christophe Plantin and his son-in-law Jan Moretus were a revolutionary duo. They were the first printers on an industrial scale – the Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg of their day. Four hundred years later, you can simply drop in on them. Because their home and workplace are still there, as if they had just popped out to the bakery.

Dive into the collection

The Museum Plantin-Moretus presents three hundred years of book-printing art and family history. You can admire the oldest printing presses in the world and a rich collection of art, including portraits by Rubens. In the library, you will find manuscripts, incunabula and original prints. And the archives tell you about daily life in both the printing works and the mansion.

Temporary exhibitions

The Museum’s temporary exhibitions focus on a succession of different themes. Specific aspects of the house, the Plantin-Moretus family, the output of the Officina Plantiniana... you can learn more about each of these subjects.

Businesses

Are you looking for an unusual destination for a company outing or teambuilding activity? Arrange to be shown around by our experienced Museum guides, or do a workshop. It’s great for getting to know your colleagues in a new way.

Welcome to the premises of the Plantin and Moretus family

Walk inside the printing office and house of the Plantin-Moretus family as if you were a friend of theirs visiting 400 years ago.

Organisation

Christophe Plantin ensured that the Officina Plantiniana was handed down to the most competent choice of successor. The Moretuses took control. They kept things going for eleven generations with great expertise. Just like the Museum staff today. They look after the house and its collection with pride. Get to know them and take a look behind the scenes.

The double instrument

in the Large Drawing Room

In the Large Drawing Room, visitors can find a rare double instrument on which both virginal and harpsichord can be played. Listen to how the instrument sounds.

Five special pieces from the Rubens House on a visit

During an extensive renovation, the doors of the Rubens House remain closed. Fortunately, many works from the collection can be admired elsewhere. Five pieces are moving to Museum Plantin-Moretus. You can now view them there as part of the permanent exhibition. Martine Maris, Curator of the Rubens House, provides a taste of the five very diverse works.

Hercules, Lucas Faydherbe

loan from the Rubens House