temporary exhibition

The Plantin-Moretus Museum, housed in a 16th century printroom (printing shop) and printer's residence in Antwerp, Belgium, is one of the world's leading repositories for printed materials. The museum's collection features a large number of priceless books and prints from as early as the 15th century. In this exhibition, approximately 66 items never before seen in Asia from the Plantin-Moretus Museum will be on display. This exhibition will introduce visitors to the beginning of the modern printing industry in Europe and the golden age of publishing in Flanders.

Part 1: Beginnings of printing-publishing

In this part of the exhibition, visitors can see how publishing and printing, which began with the Gutenberg Bible, spread throughout Europe. As it developed, Europe's publishing culture spread to lands far and wide and would have a significant impact on Japan as well.

Featured Exhibits: De Officiis by Cicero, published by J. Fust (1466), Manuscript Chroniques by Jean Froissart (15th century), Lucubratiunculae by Erasmus (1509), Butsurui Hinshitsu by Gennai Hiraga (1763), Plantin Portrait by P. P. Reubens; 37 items in all

Part 2: Achievements in the Officina Plantiniana

Here, visitors can get a feel for the publishing activities that were a cultural underpinning of 16th and 17th century Flanders.

Featured Exhibits: Hebrew Bible (1566), Gregorian Calendar (1583), La vray et parafaict embellissement by Nostradamus (1557), Pompe funebre of Karl V (1559), various printing tools; 31 items in all

Part 3: Contemporary Personages

In Antwerp, which had undergone a cultural flowering, lived numerous artists. Several of these artists were close to the Plantin-Moretus family. This part of the exhibition provides an introduction to these artists and their works.

Featured Exhibits: A Warship with four masts by Bruegel (1562), Title Page with Printer's Mark sketch by P.P. Reubens; 12 works in all