Library and Archive
Consult collections
The museum library provides information on and context for the works of art: you will find information on Western visual arts from the 14th century to the late 20th century. The museum archive holds the archives of the museum's operations (since 1816), as well as private archives of artists, art historians and patrons from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Digitally accessible
The publications and archives are consultable, but not lendable. Where possible, we make our services digital, i.e. you can receive scans of parts of documents to the extent permitted by law.
We offer our digital services during the working week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Reading room
If you prefer to consult documents on site, you are welcome to visit our reading room by appointment.
Address reading room: Leopold De Waelplaats 1, 2000 Antwerp
The reading room is accessible via the museum's visitors' entrance, and is wheelchair-accessible. Access to the reading room is free.
Browse the catalogue online
If you are looking for specific scientific information, you should first do some research in our online catalogue. You will find titles of about 100,000 publications on art, representing more than 140,000 books, journals and catalogues. You will also find a description of the funds in the museum archive.
Once you have found what you are looking for in the catalogue, you can request the documents you want.
Making a request
Reserving library publications
Reserving library publications
Are you already registered in the library? Then you can enter your known login details and request your publication via the online catalogue.
If you are not yet registered, please go to our registration form. We will confirm your registration, so you can log in and request publications afterwards.
Please indicate whether you want to receive something digitally or come and consult it in the reading room. Digital only applies to articles or parts of publications, not to complete books. As long as you remain logged in, you can request additional publications.
You will receive an e-mail from us with the requested scans or a notification that the requested materials are available in the reading room.
Reserving archive documents
Reserving archive documents
Have you found what you are looking for in the archive inventory? If so, you can reserve the item you require with the correct reference via e-mail.
Requesting information
Requesting information
Do you need further information on a certain subject? Please let us know. We provide digital copies of most documents.