Libraries, Museums and Archives

Like the archives, the museums in Belgium are divided and subdivided into many categories, the largest but not always the most important, are the state-directed museums.

The Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique in Brussels consist of four museums:

Museum of Ancient Art,
Rue de la Régence, 3
1000 Brussels

Museum of Modern Art,
Place Royale, 1-2
1000 Brussels

The Wiertz Museum,
Rue Vauthier 62
1050 Brussels

The Meunier Museum,
Rue de l'Abbaye 59
1050 Brussels

The Musée Royal des Beaux-Arts d'Anvers, (Leopold de Waelplein, 2000 Antwerp), is also a state-directed museum, as are the Musées Royaux d'Art et d'Histoire, (Parc du Cinquantenaire, 1040 Brussels).

Museum libraries of greatest importance are listed under "Fine Arts" in "Libraries", but a special word may be added about the library of the Institut Royal du Patrimoine Artistique, (1 Parc du Cinquantenaire, 1040 Brussels), which contains the A.C.L. (Archives Centrales et Laboratoires).
In this fabulous center Belgian art treasures are cleaned, restored, and photographed. Although its international fame has been achieved largely through the cleaning of 15th and 16th century Flemish paintings, the Institute is responsible for the preservation of all national art treasures in Belgium. In connection with this museum and center of advanced research and study, there is a formidable photothèque (circa 600,000 entries) many of which may be purchased.