Wittockiana

The Wittockiana is the only museum in the world devoted principally to the art of fine bookbinding. It contains a unique collection of decorative bookbindings illustrating the development of styles over five centuries, from the Renaissance to contemporary creations. In addition to this prestigious collection assembled by the industrialist and bibliophile Michel Wittock, the museum also houses various remarkable collections such as the study of the poet Valère-Gille, grandfather of the founder of the Wittockiana and last director of La Jeune Belgique, the Lucien Bonaparte collection (books, letters, photographs) as well as numerous “livres d’artistes” by contemporary artists, “livres-objets” and sculptures. The Bibliotheca Wittockiana also holds a unique collection of some 500 precious rattles, astonishing and unusual objects from the world over spanning forty centuries of history. The Wittockiana holds temporary exhibitions on aspects of bookbinding and books every year. The museum is also a venue for meetings and hosting events. Finally, there is a bookbinding workshop which makes its own special daily contribution to the world of creative bookbinding.