Antwerp — A new chapter begins for bibliophiles in the Low Countries. On 13 June 2026, De Slegte unveils its newest antiquarian bookstore at Lange Nieuwstraat 29E, tucked away in one of Antwerp’s most atmospheric inner courtyards. The location is more than picturesque: it sits directly beneath the historic Bourgondische Chapel, giving the space a sense of depth and time that few bookshops can match.
395 words – 2 minutes
The opening marks another milestone for De Slegte under the stewardship of Jan Bernard, the Rotterdam-born owner who has revitalized the brand with a renewed focus on quality, heritage, and international reach.
A Curated World ‘Under the Chapel’
Inside the new antiquariaat, visitors will find a carefully assembled selection that reflects De Slegte’s most distinctive strengths. Antiquarian bookseller Kris Landuyt — member of CLAM‑BBA, ILAB, and NVVA — welcomes guests by appointment and guides them through a refined assortment of:
- Old & rare — early prints, special bindings, international rarities
- Art & avant‑garde — artists’ books, manifestos, experimental editions
- Collectible literary works — manuscripts, letters, archival documents, unique paper heritage
The selection is intimate rather than vast, curated rather than catalogued — a place where each object carries its own story.
A Setting Steeped in Late‑Gothic History
The Bourgondische Chapel, built around 1490 in late‑Gothic style for Jan I van Immerseel, forms the architectural crown above the bookstore. Its heraldic murals narrate the lineage of the Burgundian Netherlands, making the site a cultural treasure even if the chapel itself remains private and not open to visitors.
Still, its presence is unmistakable. The vaulted spaces beneath it lend the antiquariaat a contemplative atmosphere — a sense that the books are sheltered not only by walls, but by centuries.
‘Music Maestro!’ — A Catalog as an Opening Overture
To celebrate the launch, De Slegte presents its third thematic catalog: Music Maestro! This edition brings together art, literature, and rare music-related works, from unique scores to correspondence by composers and artists. It is both a tribute to musical heritage and a statement of the antiquariaat’s ambitions: to connect disciplines, histories, and collectors in unexpected ways.
A New Cultural Destination for Antwerp
With this opening, Antwerp gains a new sanctuary for readers, collectors, and lovers of paper history. De Slegte’s second shop in Antwerp is not merely commercial — it is cultural. It restores a tradition of browsing, discovering, and conversing in a place where the past feels close enough to touch.