Library
DIVA has a specialised library collection which is unique in Belgium. It is a superb source of information and inspiration. In the reading room, you can consult the entire library collection or come to work and study.
Address & opening hours
Address
DIVA museum
Suikerrui 17-19
2000 Antwerp
Library walk-in days
- Every Tuesday and Friday, the reading room is open to the public, no appointment necessary, from 10 am to 1 pm and/or from 2 pm to 5 pm.
- On Thursdays, you can also visit the reading room, but by appointment only.
- The reading room is closed during school holidays and public holidays.
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You can also book the reading room for a group.
Contact
Library collection
The DIVA library offers specialist publications with content related to the museum’s collections of goldsmithing, jewellery and gemstones. You will also find extensive chronological, typological and iconographic documentation here, primarily on (Belgian) goldsmithing, but also on jewellery and diamonds. You can visit the library for information on:
- applied arts: metals, glass, ceramics, numismatics, design, furniture art, interior design
- handbooks on techniques and crafts
- art history and styles
- cultural history
- economic history
- specialist journals, yearbooks and auction catalogues
The library also houses Special Collections. This is a heritage collection of historical and cultural value, most of which dates from the ‘Old Fund’ from the early years of the Sterckshof. Since 1992, the library has also been collecting original company publications and model books from Belgian silver companies and silversmiths/jewellers, as well as old manuals relating to the craft.
Chronologically, the Special Collections are divided into two sub-collections: old prints and modern preciosa. The old prints comprise all printed works published before 1831. Modern preciosa are printed works from a later date, which require specific storage conditions as they are valuable or fragile.
Reading room
- There is free Wi-Fi in the reading room.
- There is no photocopier or scanner available.
- You can take free scans with your camera or mobile device using a scanning app.
- It is not possible to borrow books.
- Please leave your coat and bag in a locker downstairs.
- Food and drinks are not permitted.
Online catalogue
Prepare for your visit using the online library catalogue and request the publications you wish to see in advance.
You can admire some of the gems from the Special Collections on the Flandrica website. The relevant early printed works have been included in the Short Title Catalogus Vlaanderen (STCV), an online bibliography of publications printed in Flanders before 1801.
Search the online library catalogue for the book you would like to reserve. You will find the entire library collection there.
*Create a personal login to create lists and reserve items from the repository.
Follow the steps in this guide to request a book.
- Short Title Catalogus Vlaanderen (STCV): this online bibliography covers publications printed in Flanders before 1801 and provides a comprehensive bibliographic description of the (relevant) early printed works from the DIVA library collection.
- Erfgoedparels (Flandrica): this heritage portal provides images and context for a number of unique works.
Links to external databases and digital resources on jewellery, silver, diamonds and gemmology can be found in a clear overview on Tagpacker.
Digital services
Where possible, we will scan information for you. Please prepare your enquiry using the library catalogue. Always include your name and telephone number. We will look at your request and get in touch.
If a publication is also available digitally, you will find a link to the external source or to the PDF of the digital copy.
Contact: bibliotheek@divaantwerp.be