Search the collections of the Royal Library of Belgium
In the Footsteps of Bart Van Loo and the Burgundians
Until 18 October 2026, the master storyteller Bart Van Loo takes you on a historical walk through the heart of Burgundian Brussels and the KBR museum. As guest curator he has selected exceptional manuscripts and miniatures from KBR’s rich collections.
Visit the KBR museum
Dive into the enchanting world of ancient manuscripts, polyphonic music and illuminated miniatures. Discover the magnificent Library of the Dukes of Burgundy-Habsburg and enjoy a unique musical experience.
Opening hours
• In July and August, the reading room is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The KBR museum is open every day (except Monday) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Consulting the collections
With a valid reader’s card, you can consult the collections in the reading room. Documents can be reserved in advance via the online catalogue.
Studying at KBR
The study room at KBR is an oasis of calm in the middle of the city. Here, you can study, work or do research undisturbed.
Agenda
Self-guided workshop: writing with a quill & painting with pigments
29.08.2026 – 17.08.2026
At the end of the Middle Ages, Brussels belonged to the dukes of Burgundy. These rich […]
Continue reading “Self-guided workshop: writing with a quill & painting with pigments”
Book History @ KBR
16.09.2026 @ 13:00 – 17:30
7 experts, 7 lectures, 1 shared passion. The experts—both from KBR and other institutions—will present their research on books from the collection.
Continue reading “Book History @ KBR”
Yoga & Sound in the Nassau Chapel
06.10.2026 @ 11:00 – 12:00
Start your Sunday with a moment of calm and inspiration in the centuries-old Nassau Chapel at […]
Continue reading “Yoga & Sound in the Nassau Chapel”
Lunchtime concert : Trio Becel
16.10.2026 @ 12:30 – 13:30
Musicians Léonore Frommlet, flute Gergely Kota, viola Alyssia Hondekijn, harp Programme Claude Debussy (1862-1918) Sonata […]
Continue reading “Lunchtime concert : Trio Becel”
Lunchtime concert: Quatuor Taurus
13.11.2026 @ 12:30 – 13:30
Musicians Wietse Beels, violin Liesbeth Baelus, violin Vincent Hepp, viola Martijn Vink, cello Lucía Alonso Hernández, […]
Continue reading “Lunchtime concert: Quatuor Taurus”
News
Heatwave : protect yourself from the heat
During periods of extreme heat, federal museums are stepping up to provide accessible “cool zones” for everyone.
Continue reading “Heatwave : protect yourself from the heat”
KBR publishes acquisition registers of the Print Room online
KBR has made its acquisition registers for the prints and drawings collection available online for the period 1933–1966. With this initiative, the Royal Library of Belgium opens up a valuable resource for researchers and the wider public.
Continue reading “KBR publishes acquisition registers of the Print Room online”
The great atlas by Ferraris, the Google Maps of the 18th Century
The Ferraris map, produced under the direction of Count Joseph-Jean François de Ferraris in 1777, depicts […]
Continue reading “The great atlas by Ferraris, the Google Maps of the 18th Century”Read more about KBR’s digitised collections
The first Antarctic expedition: tracing the voyage of the Belgica
125 years ago, on Monday 16 August 1897, the converted Norwegian sealer ship Belgica left the […]
Continue reading “The first Antarctic expedition: tracing the voyage of the Belgica”
Ukiyo-e: discover the digitised collection of Japanese prints
Browse more than 750 Japanese prints online.
Continue reading “Ukiyo-e: discover the digitised collection of Japanese prints”
Ukraine’s geopolitical history in 10 old maps
Discover 10 old maps from our cartographic collection that illustrate the geopolitical history of Ukraine.
Continue reading “Ukraine’s geopolitical history in 10 old maps”
KBR acquires autograph manuscript by César Franck
KBR acquired the autograph manuscript of the orchestrated version of the ‘Messe for three voices in A major’ by Liège composer César Franck.
Continue reading “KBR acquires autograph manuscript by César Franck”