The Burgundian Library is one of the most impressive manuscript collections of the Middle Ages. It was assembled by the Dukes of Burgundy, who ruled over the Low Countries in the 14th and 15th centuries. It was Philip the Bold, the first Duke of Burgundy, who laid the foundations for what would grow into an extraordinary library.

At the death of Philip the Good, the library contained around 900 manuscripts of exceptional quality. It was not only one of the largest, but also one of the most beautiful libraries of its time—alongside those of the French kings, the Medici, and the papal library.

A world-famous library that withstood fires and plundering

In 1559, Philip II had the library moved to the Coudenberg Palace. On 3 February 1731, disaster struck. A devastating fire reduced the palace to ashes. As the flames raged, as many manuscripts as possible were thrown out of the windows into the snow in an effort to save the collection. On some manuscripts, traces of this rescue operation are still visible today.

During the French occupation of Brussels in 1746, many manuscripts were taken to Paris. Some were returned in 1770. In 1794, part of the precious collection once again made its way to Paris. Some of these works would later be returned to Belgium by the Congress of Vienna.

Nearly a hundred years after the Coudenberg Palace fire, in 1827, tragedy struck again. A fire broke out on the upper floors of the Palace of Charles of Lorraine in Brussels, where the Royal Library had since been housed. Although the flames did not reach the manuscripts, the water used to extinguish the fire caused irreparable damage. Dozens of leather and parchment bindings did not survive the water damage.

279 manuscripts preserved at KBR

Amazingly, around 400 of these beautifully illuminated manuscripts have been preserved. Of these, 279 are part of KBR’s collections, while the rest are spread across 35 libraries worldwide.

Highlights in KBR’s holdings include the Chroniques de Hainaut with the famous miniature by Rogier van der Weyden, the Roman de Girart de Nevers, the Peterborough Psalter, and many other masterpieces counted among the most prestigious illuminated manuscripts in the world.

Now, you can also explore the complete collection online and zoom in to discover the smallest details of the finest miniatures.

Admire the Library at the KBR museum

The KBR museum is the place where the manuscript collection of the Dukes of Burgundy truly shines. Here, you are immersed in the cultural, artistic, and political context in which these manuscripts were created.

Because medieval manuscripts are too fragile to be displayed permanently, the exhibits change twice a year. This is good news for you: each visit brings new masterpieces to discover. With every rotation, KBR also organizes engaging activities that will enrich your experience.