Visiting the library
Rubens liked to get about, but he preferred to read at home. Right in this spot. Now everyone is welcome to read and carry out research here. We provide books, artwork documentation, archives and digital resources. And not just about Rubens. As our focus is on Flemish art from the 16th and 17th centuries, our collection is much broader.
Welcome reader!
Just the thought of browsing among books where Rubens did exactly the same thing 400 years ago makes a visit to the brand new library at Hopland 13 special. A feeling that everyone can now experience thanks to free access and displays in open shelves. As a researcher, you don't have to miss a thing, because every item stays in the building. That's because physically borrowing books is not possible, but requesting them in advance is.
Want to make a booking? You don't need to! Read how to use the library here.
Opening times
| Mondags to Fridays | from 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. |
| Saturday & Sunday | closed |
| Public holidays | see annual closing days |
Before your first visit
- Register via this form. We will then get in touch with you.
- Bring your ID card with you so we can create a reader's card (A-card) for you. You can also get one of these at many other locations throughout the city.
- Definitely take a look at the library regulations.
All answers in one place
Too many to mention. There is no other way to describe the impressive collection. From monographs and catalogues from the art trade, exhibitions and auctions to files full of photos, clippings and articles. What do you want to know about Rubens and the other protagonists of early modern Flemish art? Come and put your questions to our collection.
Can't wait?
You can already check out the overview of all the sub-collections and what to find in them.
Seek and ye shall...
Need help? We have the best people and resources on hand to make your art history research go as smoothly as possible.
Part of the collection is in storage and can be requested via the online library catalogue, but you can come and browse the shelves in another part of the library yourself.
Open shelves
You can now search freely yourself among our sub-collection of books and documentation on all Flemish artists from the 17th century. You don't have to request these items.
Browse between the open shelves and find more than you were looking for. Thanks to the layout according to iconographic themes. From a veritable classic from the reference collection to the latest books and magazines.
On request
Looking for something different from our extensive collections? Request a specific publication in advance, or on site, via the online library catalogue and our library staff will get everything ready for you. Search conveniently by keywords or down to article and even chapter level. All that's left for you to do is pick a nice spot in the reading room!
Themed collections
From time to time, we put a specific topic in the spotlight. You can find out more in the near future about the themed collections you can currently explore with us.
Our services ...
... also digital
Not everything can be found online - far from it - as you will discover in our library. A wealth of information is contained in the documentation boxes, and the way the books are arranged.
Can't get enough of Flemish art and still want to continue working from home? Then definitely check out our digital collections and research tools. Analogue and digital go hand in hand in art history research!
Facilities for researchers
When you work in our library, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Rubens' garden.
Those wishing to stay for longer in this inspiring environment for more intensive work can apply for a research stay.
FAQs
No, that's not necessary. You can visit the library from Monday to Friday, between 9.30 a.m and 5.00 p.m. Even on Wednesdays when the Rubens Experience and the garden are closed.
On the second floor of the new building at Hopland 13. The elegant spiral staircases point the way from the reception area.
No, there is free admission. You can register as a reader there and then. Want to request books in advance? Then register before your first visit using this form.
To ensure the careful management of our collections, food and drink are not permitted. Coats and bags are also not allowed inside. You can definitely bring your laptop, but without a carry case. Use the lockers on the ground floor to safely store all your belongings.
Feel free to take pictures with your smartphone or your own device in our special scanning tent.
Can't get to the library yourself? Our staff will make and deliver your scans on request. In PDF format and with a maximum of 30 pages each time. We kindly ask you to respect copyright rules. You can find these in the library regulations.
We endeavour to safeguard the meditative study atmosphere in our library on the second floor. But the workroom on the first floor is more suited to consultation. You can't take items from the collection there, but you'll also find books on Rubens and art from Flanders there in any case.
Be our guest! Do you know an interesting book for studying Flemish art that is not currently available here? If so, let us know.
Definitely. Take the spacious lift on the ground floor. Once upstairs, our library staff will be happy to help you.
Joining forces
Until not long ago, each item on Rubens and his contemporaries was stored in the Rubenianum, which was located in a neighbouring building. The close cooperation with the Rubenshuis resulted in a merger in 2024. Over 2000 metres of paper were relocated around the corner to Hopland. This is from where the Rubenshuis stays true to its mission: to collect and develop knowledge about the Flemish masters and disseminate it among all interested parties. Whether professionally, to carry out research or purely for fun.
Read more about the history of the Rubenianum