Heritage Day - Margins, Scribbles and Caricatures
Those who look into the margins of history often find the most beautiful stories. On Sunday 26 April, the Boekentoren invites you on a journey of discovery along the edges of our collective memory. From medieval fabled creatures to razor-sharp satirical cartoons: discover how humour and imagination have coloured the pages of our heritage collection for centuries.
Programme
- Exhibition ‘Margins, Scribbles and Caricatures’
Dive into the library’s heritage collection and discover historical satirical prints, mythical creatures and old jokes that have stood the test of time. - Talk ‘In the Margins’
Professor Wim Verbaal will guide you at 11:00, 13:30 and 14:30 through a world of hidden humour and bizarre figures in the margins of manuscripts and early printed works. - Live Caricaturist
Between 13:00 and 16:00, a professional caricaturist will be based in the Boekentoren. Take a seat and have your own features playfully captured on paper. - Treasure Hunt
Strange creatures have escaped from the books! Children can go on a search throughout the building to find the hidden figures. Afterwards, young artists can get creative in the colouring workshop. - Visit the Belvedere
On this day, the tower’s iconic top floor will be open to the general public (please allow for possible waiting times).
Praktical information
- Sunday 26 April 2026
- Open from 10:00 to 17:00
- Free entry, no booking required
- Arrive in good time for the talks
- Boekentoren Gent, Rozier 9
Visiting our neighbours?
You can also visit the neighbouring Faculty Library of Arts and Philosophy, which will explore the theme of humour through its comic strip collection. The VANDENHOVE Centre presents a small homage to Charlie Chaplin, as seen through the eyes of Henri Michaux.