Antiquarenbeurs Mechelen

Thank you for visiting the 34th International Antiquarian Book Fair Mechelen.

Next edition in December 2026. Exact date to be announced.

ANTIQUARIAN BOOK FAIR MECHELEN / Fair for rare books and prints.

A remarkable edition once again: a paradise for bibliophiles and collectors.

In December 2025, Mechelen celebrated the 34th edition of its renowned Antiquarian Book and Print Fair. From 5 to 7 December, Mechelen became the epicentre of a world of rare books, bibliophile editions, manuscripts, prints and fine engraved works. The fair gathered exhibitors from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France and the United Kingdom.

Throughout this three-day event, bibliophiles and collectors were able to immerse themselves in a wealth of printed treasures. From rare manuscripts and first editions to fine art books and exceptional engravings, the fair offered an unrivalled opportunity to browse, discover and acquire.

“We are delighted to once again provide a platform where book lovers can meet,” stated the fair’s organiser. “Mechelen is the ideal location for this event, with its rich cultural and historical heritage. Visitors not only enjoyed the fair’s varied selection but also the charm of the city itself.”

After a day filled with bibliophilic discoveries, visitors could enjoy the unique ambience and culinary delights that Mechelen has to offer. The Antiquarian Book and Print Fair remains an exceptional opportunity to explore and expand collections: rare books, maps and atlases, first editions, private press, illustrated works, graphic art, incunabula, manuscripts, avant-garde material, children’s books, Japanese masters, bindings, travel accounts, autograph material and much more.

EXHIBITIONS

Presented during the December 2025 fair

The catalogue selections, books, prints and exhibition information will remain available on this website until the next edition.

*This edition featured two special mini-exhibitions:*

The Antwerp Bibliophiles' Association and the Dutch Bibliophiles' Society

These two bibliophile societies presented a joint exhibition as guest participants at the 2025 Mechelen Antiquarian Book Fair.

1. The literary group ‘Pink Poets’

A circle of thirteen like-minded writers including Paul Snoek, Henri-Floris Jespers and Hugues C. Pernath. In addition, six honorary members were recognised: Ivo Michiels, Paul de Vree, Marnix Gijsen, Maurice Gilliams, Karel Jonckheere and Renier Van der Velden. Their shared aim was aesthetic refinement, elegance and deliberate artistic expression — resisting superficiality and trivialisation. Pink Poets produced a significant corpus of literary and bibliophile publications and represented a self-conscious decadent literary vision.

New in this edition was a guided visit on Sunday with a small group of young collectors. Exhibitors shared their passion for collecting and encouraged young bibliophiles to start and develop their own collections.

2. IKA Department of Book Arts

Students of the Institute for Arts and Craft presented hand-bound masterpieces demonstrating a wide range of binding techniques and artisanal craftsmanship.