Wittockiana

About the museum

The Wittockiana was founded in Brussels in 1983 by the bibliophile Michel Wittock (1934–2020), who gathered bindings, precious books, artists’ books and book objects throughout his life. The building, an emblematic work of Brussels brutalist architecture, was designed by the architect and bibliophile Emmanuel de Callataÿ and inaugurated in 1983; a glass extension by Charly Wittock was added in 1995.

To secure the future of its collection, Michel Wittock donated it in 2011 to the Fondation Roi Baudouin, which constituted it as the Fonds Michel Wittock. The museum was recognised in 2010 by the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles and today keeps, studies and presents nearly 3,000 works that tell five centuries of creation around the book.

The permanent circuit consists of “capsule exhibitions”, renewed roughly every four months, because fragile books, manuscripts and bindings cannot be displayed continuously. The museum also offers a documentation centre, bookbinding courses and activities for all audiences.

Highlights

• The only museum in Belgium entirely devoted to the arts of the book and bookbinding
• Nearly 3,000 works from the Renaissance to the present day (Fonds Michel Wittock)
• Brutalist building by Emmanuel de Callataÿ with a 1995 extension
• Capsule exhibitions renewed roughly every four months
• Bookbinding courses and workshops

Permanent exhibition

• Parcours permanent – expositions capsules – Selection of works from the Fonds Michel Wittock (bindings, artists’ books, precious books), renewed roughly every four months in line with the museum’s programme.

Founded

1983

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Every first Sunday of the month

Also free for teachers in Belgium, artists present in the collections or exhibited, job seekers, holders of a museum pass, Article 27 (culture ticket for people on low incomes), Friends of the museum, ICOM members and the press. All classes of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles enter free. The museum states that financial difficulty should not prevent a visit.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Parking reserved for people with disabilities in front of the museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Guided tour, bookbinding workshop or a combined formula for children aged 6 to 12, in groups of up to 10 children accompanied by 2 adults, by reservation at least 10 days in advance (€60, €80 or €120 per group, admission included).

Getting there & parking

Bicycle racks are available; the museum is 1.2 km from the Promenade verte.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

The museum makes its spaces available for receptions, conferences and private gatherings.

Plan your visit