Manuscripts
The Boekentoren holds more than six thousand manuscripts, from precious illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages to single-edition typescripts from the twentieth century. Almost two thousand manuscripts can be consulted online.
Studying in the Boekentoren
Do you like to study in silence together with others? You are welcome in the open study landscape of the Boekentoren.
Discover the collections
The Boekentoren houses an extensive collection of books and heritage. The online library is open 24/7.
Visit the Boekentoren
The Boekentoren is a modernist masterpiece by architect Henry van de Velde. You can explore the building (online).
Can I visit the Boekentoren?
Yes and no. The library spaces are accessible during opening hours. Some rooms, including the Belvedere, can only be visited on specific occasions or by appointment accompanied by a guide. Take a virtual tour via the tour website.
Explore the Heritage Collections
The Boekentoren manages one of the largest heritage collections in the Low Countries.
Newspapers and magazines
Besides countless iconic periodicals, the heritage collection contains a wealth of material - from the oldest Dutch newspapers to student almanacs, colonial press and front pages.
Gandavensia
The 'Section Gantoise' was established in 1872. It is an active collection containing pieces related to Ghent: the Gandavensia. Manuscripts, prints, iconographic pieces and complete private collections constitute the paper memory of the city.
Prints
'Prints' includes the collection items that were published by means of the printing press. We make a distinction between 'old' editions and 'modern' editions (after 1830). The Boekentoren houses 701 incunabula and more than two million modern editions.
Gallery
The Gallery contains all collection profiles with museum appeal. These are pieces with iconographic value such prints, photographs, drawings, paintings, plans, posters, porcelain cards, numismatic items and maps.
Ephemera
Ephemera, papers, pièces volantes. Collected intensively by head librarian Ferdinand vander Haeghen, the Ghent collection of loose-leaf pages forms an impressive, alphabetically arranged collection of miscellanea that document everyday life in times past like no other.
Archives
Since its foundation in 1797, the university library has attracted numerous archival donations because of its cultural role in city life. As a result, the Boekentoren has amassed hundreds of archives of artists, professors and cultural associations.