Most Belgians would say 'occupied by' rather than 'part of' but lovely article, I don't think I remember his exploits beyond 'great historical printer' so, interesting!
I’m so happy to see someone who adored this museum as much as I did! Everything about it is a historian’s dream, I felt like I was just floating through it. And I had no idea of the religious dynamics of Plantin’s life - how impressive that he went from being religious exile to a favored printer of the Spanish king. Thank you so much for sharing!
Beautifully told, Jodi. It always amazes me how printing presses can often get one in trouble! Luckily his name was cleared and he could come back to continue to fulfill his place in history. Love that he'd post press sheets outside for passersby to take a chance at finding a typo, and also that the business fell into the hands of a long series of competent women. A neat piece of history.
I wish we'd allowed more time for Antwerp on our swing through Belgium, an under-visited and fascinating country full of wonderful food and art. Belgium reminds me a little of Canada: Both countries have uppity neighbors to the south, which are given the credit for their most famous creations. Few know that "French fries" are actually a Belgian invention.
I agree - Belgium is at the top of my list of countries to re-visit, I just loved it. Even though I have to admit that I prefer French frites to the original Belgian frites...I am on board with Belgian beer, though!
I adored this museum. We've stayed twice now in an apartment right beside the museum in Vrijdagmarkt. One of my favourite places in the world.
I visited this museum last April, and the sweetest man gave me a tutorial on how the presses worked. The garden also is so lovely.
Love those shutters and all the photos!
Ok, this place is going on my list! Thanks, Jodi.
Love this post. Great photographs too. I wrote about a women in printing in one of my 17th novels. Would love to visit here one day 🤩
I loved this visit. Thank you!
Absolutely beautiful!!
Thank you, Etta!
Most Belgians would say 'occupied by' rather than 'part of' but lovely article, I don't think I remember his exploits beyond 'great historical printer' so, interesting!
Ah, apologies!
Fascinating!
I’m so happy to see someone who adored this museum as much as I did! Everything about it is a historian’s dream, I felt like I was just floating through it. And I had no idea of the religious dynamics of Plantin’s life - how impressive that he went from being religious exile to a favored printer of the Spanish king. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you for reading, and I'm glad to hear you're a Kindred Spirit! :)
Fascinating, as always!
Thank you Sarah!
Beautifully told, Jodi. It always amazes me how printing presses can often get one in trouble! Luckily his name was cleared and he could come back to continue to fulfill his place in history. Love that he'd post press sheets outside for passersby to take a chance at finding a typo, and also that the business fell into the hands of a long series of competent women. A neat piece of history.
Thank you so much, Jeanine! 🧡 It's one of my very favorite museums, but I wasn't sure if anyone else would find it interesting!
We writers have a fixation with how the printed word gets printed!
Fascinating. I might be going to Belgium this coming autumn or in 2026, so I'll keep this place in mind.
Do it! I can't recommend it highly enough.
I wish we'd allowed more time for Antwerp on our swing through Belgium, an under-visited and fascinating country full of wonderful food and art. Belgium reminds me a little of Canada: Both countries have uppity neighbors to the south, which are given the credit for their most famous creations. Few know that "French fries" are actually a Belgian invention.
I agree - Belgium is at the top of my list of countries to re-visit, I just loved it. Even though I have to admit that I prefer French frites to the original Belgian frites...I am on board with Belgian beer, though!
Ah but you have to try them all from the thin ones made at home to the ones sold at a frituur/friterie 😉.
The #1 place for me to visit if I ever get to Antwerp. In a past life, I might have worked in such a place.
You would love it! That's exactly how I felt - like it was "home".