Tour 3: Nose through books
You can't talk about Rubens without mentioning books. Our guide leads you through two kilometres of documentation on the life and work of the artist and his colleagues in the internationally acclaimed library.
Rubens was a true citizen of the world. He was knowledgeable on just about everything. Knowledge acquired from books in his multi-faceted private collection. From archaeology to architecture and from politics to botany. He was even privy to the latest gossip from the royal houses.
The Rubenshuis is a treasure trove for enthusiasts and researchers to delve into Rubens' life. Thousands of reference books reveal everything about his work, life and the Zeitgeist. Our guide will show you the most valuable pieces from the collection, and you will learn how to do your own research.
Practical information
Number of participants
- max. 1 group per time slot
- 1 group = max. 15 persons
When
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: start at 10.30 a.m., 11.30 a.m., 12.30 p.m., 1.30 p.m. or 2.30 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: start at 10.30 a.m., 11.30 a.m., 12.30 p.m., 1.30 p.m., 2.30 p.m. or 3.30 p.m.
Duration
- 90 minutes
Price
- €95 per guide + €25 administration cost
- Make sure you order the right number of tickets for your group, on top of the guide.
Languages
- Dutch, French, English, German
- Other languages on request
Book guided tour
Booking before 1 October 2025
Would you like to book a guided group visit before 1 October 2025? Book the guided tour via Experience Antwerp.
Reserve via Experience Antwerp
Booking after 1 October 2025
Would you like to book a guided group visit after 1 October 2025? Request your guided tour via this form.
Discover more tours
Tour 1: The total portrait
Want to get to the very essence of Rubens? Together with our museum guide, dig through his artistic past in Rubens Experience and then delve deeper into his private life in the renovated garden.
Tour 2: Green Treasure
Rubens' garden was a lively place. This is where he received his friends, as well as art lovers and heads of state. Follow our guide and let your imagination and senses run wild.
Tour 4: Brick by brick
Where did Rubens get the inspiration for his palazzo on the Scheldt? And what is the link with the new building on Hopland? Whether or not you're an architecture lover, this tour will grip you from start to finish.