Christophe Plantin, a printer coming from France, settled in a residence south of the Grote Markt Grote that he named “De gulden Passer” or “The Golden Compasses” in 1576. The home that Plantin and the Moretus family heirs resided in is currently regarded as the pinnacle of Flemish Renaissance design.

The Plantin-Moretus Museum, which incorporates printing history and recreates the ambiance of an Old Flemish noble home, is housed in the structure today.

This museum is among the most fascinating tourist destinations in Antwerp because of the original furnishings, diverse displays, and most importantly, the mood that still permeates the space because of the close closeness of home and work.

If you’re short on time, head straight for Room 7, which explores the formation of the alphabet, the first forms of writing, significant archaeological finds, and manuscripts, all the way up to Johannes Gutenberg and the development of letterpress printing using movable type.

Then, don’t miss Room 24, which is a celebration of the art of printing in all of Europe and features a 36-line Gutenberg Bible as its crowning achievement.