Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex
Date of Inscription: 2005
Selection Criteria: (i) to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii) to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning, or landscape design;
(iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(v) to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.
Overview: The Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Antwerp, Belgium. The complex consists of a printing press, a publishing house, and a family residence, all of which are preserved in their original state. The complex provides an unparalleled insight into the early history of book printing and publishing.
Prominent Features: The Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex is notable for several unique and exceptional features, including:
The printing presses: The complex houses some of the oldest surviving printing presses in the world, including the original press used to print the famous Polyglot Bible. The extensive archives: The archives contain over 30,000 manuscripts and printed works, including rare and priceless books, maps, and prints.
The family residence: The Plantin-Moretus family residence is a beautifully preserved example of a 16th-century mansion, complete with period furnishings, artwork, and a picturesque courtyard. The museum: The museum features interactive exhibits and displays that showcase the history of book printing and publishing, as well as the life and work of the Plantin-Moretus family.
History: The Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex was established in the 16th century by Christophe Plantin, a French printer who moved to Antwerp to establish his own printing press. The complex continued to operate as a printing press and publishing house for over 300 years, until it was turned into a museum in the early 20th century. Today, the complex is one of the most well-preserved and important examples of early book printing and publishing in Europe.
Family Friendly Activity: The Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex offers several family-friendly activities, including interactive exhibits and guided tours that are suitable for children of all ages. Kids can also participate in printing workshops and create their own printed works using historic printing techniques.
Fun Fact: The Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex is the only printing press from the Renaissance period that is still intact and operational.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for adults is 10 euros, while children under 12 can enter for free. There are also discounts available for seniors, students, and groups.
How to Reach It: By Train: Antwerp is easily accessible by train from major cities in Belgium and the Netherlands. The Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex is located just a short walk from the Antwerp Central train station.
By Tram: Several tram lines run through Antwerp, including a tram line that stops near the Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex.
By Car: There are several paid parking options available near the museum complex, including a parking garage located just a short walk away.
Where to Stay: Antwerp offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences
Where to Stay: Antwerp offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences
Selection Criteria: (i) to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii) to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning, or landscape design;
(iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(v) to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.
Overview: The Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Antwerp, Belgium. The complex consists of a printing press, a publishing house, and a family residence, all of which are preserved in their original state. The complex provides an unparalleled insight into the early history of book printing and publishing.
Prominent Features: The Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex is notable for several unique and exceptional features, including:
The printing presses: The complex houses some of the oldest surviving printing presses in the world, including the original press used to print the famous Polyglot Bible. The extensive archives: The archives contain over 30,000 manuscripts and printed works, including rare and priceless books, maps, and prints.
The family residence: The Plantin-Moretus family residence is a beautifully preserved example of a 16th-century mansion, complete with period furnishings, artwork, and a picturesque courtyard. The museum: The museum features interactive exhibits and displays that showcase the history of book printing and publishing, as well as the life and work of the Plantin-Moretus family.
History: The Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex was established in the 16th century by Christophe Plantin, a French printer who moved to Antwerp to establish his own printing press. The complex continued to operate as a printing press and publishing house for over 300 years, until it was turned into a museum in the early 20th century. Today, the complex is one of the most well-preserved and important examples of early book printing and publishing in Europe.
Family Friendly Activity: The Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex offers several family-friendly activities, including interactive exhibits and guided tours that are suitable for children of all ages. Kids can also participate in printing workshops and create their own printed works using historic printing techniques.
Fun Fact: The Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex is the only printing press from the Renaissance period that is still intact and operational.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for adults is 10 euros, while children under 12 can enter for free. There are also discounts available for seniors, students, and groups.
How to Reach It: By Train: Antwerp is easily accessible by train from major cities in Belgium and the Netherlands. The Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex is located just a short walk from the Antwerp Central train station.
By Tram: Several tram lines run through Antwerp, including a tram line that stops near the Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex.
By Car: There are several paid parking options available near the museum complex, including a parking garage located just a short walk away.
Where to Stay: Antwerp offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences
Where to Stay: Antwerp offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences