Bibliotheek van de Abdij van Bornem (De Abdij van Bornem/Robby Boey)

The Abbey of Bornem is home to an impressive collection of art and historical objects. The holdings reflect the rich history and intellectual legacy of the monastic community that lived and worked here for centuries. In addition to historic paintings and sculptures, the collection includes remarkable examples of religious textiles as well as numerous fascinating objects used in daily monastic life.

They are committed to preserving the collection under the best possible conditions and actively invest in the restoration of fragile pieces. By making these treasures accessible to visitors and researchers, the Abbey of Bornem fulfills an important educational and cultural mission.

The library collection is much more than a gathering of books: it is a reservoir of knowledge spanning several centuries. It contains a wide range of works, both religious and secular, from manuscripts and early printed volumes to rare historical treasures. One of the most significant sections is the Cisterciensia: an extensive collection devoted to the spirituality, history, and intellectual tradition of the Cistercian Order.

Taken as a whole, the library represents an invaluable resource for historians, theologians, and literary scholars, offering insights into the development of religious and philosophical thought as well as the evolution of book production and printing. The care and expertise with which the Abbey of Bornem maintains its library collection underscores their dedication to the preservation and study of cultural heritage.

Image is artist's impression of the Abbey Library