The Rijksmuseum Meermanno in The Hague is the oldest book museum in the world. The museum focuses on the written and printed book, both past and present. The physical form and the evolution of book design are central to its remit. The museum houses an exquisite collection of books from all periods of Western book history.
Museum
The Rijksmuseum Meermanno is housed in the charming former residence of Baron Van Westreenen van Tiellandt (1783–1848). The name Meermanno-Westreenianum commemorates two individuals who were instrumental in the museum’s founding. The most important of these is Baron W.H.J. van Westreenen van Tiellandt (1783–1848), who assembled an extensive book collection in this house. His second cousin and key inspiration, Johan Meerman (1751–1815), also owned an impressive collection of books, part of which was eventually incorporated into Van Westreenen’s collection. Following Van Westreenen’s death, the house and the entire collection passed to the state. In 1852, the house was opened to the public as a museum.
Collection
A brief overview of the development of script, layout and decoration in manuscripts can be seen in the atmospheric book room, where a selection of the museum’s showpieces is on display. The book room is a unique example of 19th-century museum design and has been preserved entirely in this style. The museum organises temporary exhibitions on both ancient and modern books around four times a year. Van Westreenen was a typical 19th-century collector who took a keen interest in the history of ancient civilisations. He collected not only books but also artefacts from, amongst others, Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquity. In doing so, he managed to acquire some exceptional pieces. Furthermore, the museum houses, amongst other things, family portraits and souvenirs from his travels. In addition to books and antiquities, the museum holds a collection of coins and medals, letters, archival materials, ex libris and small-scale prints.
Writing like a monk – every Saturday afternoon
Every Saturday from 12.00 to 16.30. I bet you’ve never written with a quill pen before? Well, here’s your chance! Just imagine: in the Middle Ages, there were no printers or printing presses. Monks wrote books by hand using a quill. The most beautiful letters and decorations were created using them. Incredible, isn’t it! Would you like to give it a go? You can – dress up as a monk and challenge your mum, dad, grandad or grandma: who can write the most beautiful letters?
Open Printing House
The art of printing was invented around 1450. This marked a huge step forward in the dissemination of knowledge. After centuries of copying books by hand, it was now possible to print them. How did it work? What do those lead letters look like? At the printing workshop of Huis van het boek, professional printers are hard at work on the printing press. And you can print your own bookmark on an old hand press. Every Sunday afternoon from 12.00 to 16.30. No booking is required.
Accessibility
You’ll find the Rijksmuseum Meermanno opposite the Malieveld, about an 800-metre walk from The Hague Central Station. The museum is easily accessible by public transport. The best way to get there is to take tram 9 or bus 18 and get off at the ‘Malieveld’ stop. Huis van het Boek is accessible to wheelchair users. If you’re coming by car, you can park in the Malieveld car park.
