Libraries aren’t just for literature enthusiasts. Some are as impressive for their collections as they are for their architecture, their monumental reading rooms, or the treasures they house. Across Belgium, several institutions invite you to step inside for an extraordinary visit that blends heritage, history, and exceptional venues.
KBR – Royal Library of Belgium (Brussels)
Perched atop Mont des Arts, the KBR is much more than Belgium’s national library. It is home, in particular, to the famous Library of the Dukes of Burgundy, an exceptional collection of medieval manuscripts considered one of the most important in the world. With its vast reading rooms and permanent exhibitions, it’s a must-see for history lovers.
Leuven University Library
You can’t miss the imposing library at KU Leuven, rebuilt after both world wars. Its immense reading room, with its elegant wood paneling, is as impressive as its turbulent history, while its tower offers a superb panoramic view of the city.
Het Predikheren (Mechelen)
Housed in a fully restored 17th-century Dominican convent, Het Predikheren is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Its contemporary bookshelves blend harmoniously with the historic architecture, creating a spectacular setting where visitors come as much to read as to admire the surroundings.
Mundaneum Library (Mons)
Often dubbed the “Google of paper, ” the Mundaneum tells the story of the incredible project by Paul Otlet and Henri La Fontaine, who dreamed of bringing together all the world’s knowledge long before the Internet existed. Its library and archives offer a fascinating journey into the history of documentation and information.
Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library – Nottebohm Hall (Antwerp)
Nestled on one of Antwerp’s prettiest squares, the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library houses a true treasure: the Nottebohm Room. With its tall wooden bookcases, cast-iron gallery, antique Blaeu globes, and some 150,000 historical volumes, this room—inaugurated in 1936—is often considered one of the most beautiful libraries in Belgium. Usually accessible only during guided tours, it exceptionally opens its doors to the public at certain times of the year, offering a rare opportunity to admire this setting straight out of a novel.
