KBR museum blog
Curious about the do’s-and-don’ts according to the curators of the KBR museum? Here you will not only learn all about the conservation, digitization and restoration of the manuscripts from the KBR museum, but you will also discover the stories behind the most extraordinary miniatures.
The “Rijmbijbel” of Jacob van Maerlant
The luxurious “Rijmbijbel” from Brussels is the oldest known illustrated manuscript in Dutch that has been completely preserved. Meet an international masterpiece from the Middle Ages!
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The manuscript of Johannes de Altre: a varied collection of knowledge
Merel Swemle is studying Dutch language and culture at Leiden University. In this blog post, she takes a closer look at a curious book: the collection manuscript of Johannes de Altre.
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Livy between manuscript and printed book
The name Titus Livius (known in English as Livy) is a well-known one today. But how did the work of this Roman historian end up in the Library of the Burgundian Dukes?
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Unseen: a “black” manuscript at the KBR museum
Exceptionally admire Margaret of Austria’s “Basses Danses” manuscript on 3 and 4 December.
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From stone or bug to masterpiece
The creation of an illuminated manuscript sometimes required several years of preparation. Discover how illuminators transformed their pigments into masterpieces on parchment.
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Christine de Pizan: a feminist before her time?
Christine de Pizan is often presented as one of the first feminists in history. How did she become a successful author? What were her favourite topics?
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Who is following who: the painter or the miniaturist?
In the 15th century, the various forms of art were related. What was the relationship between painting and miniature art at the end of the Middle Ages?
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The Nassau Chapel: the story of the court chapel that became a museum (part 2)
The Nassau Chapel took a beating in the 20th century. Read here how the building survived the redevelopment of the Mont des Arts.
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The Nassau Chapel: the story of the court chapel that became a museum (part 1)
The Nassau Chapel is part of the KBR museum, but it has had many different functions over the centuries. Discover the history of this 16th-century building.
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White gloves? No thanks.
Find out why we don’t use white gloves to touch books.
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The “Chroniques de Hainaut”: a masterpiece in the shape of a book
For many, the “Chroniques de Hainaut” are the absolute masterpiece from the collection of the Burgundian dukes. But what makes this manuscript so special?
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The archenemy of every manuscript: light
To prevent damage by light, we change the manuscripts in the museum every 6 months. Why? Read all about it right here.
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