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A unique library in the Wereldmuseum
The library collection of the Wereldmuseum has been built up since the early 19th century and now consists of some 80,000 titles in the field of ethnology, ethnography and anthropology. From this tradition, the library also collects books on fashion, photography and art and design worldwide. Come and read about subjects such as celebrations and rituals, travel reports, ceramics, batik and saris, tattoos and much more. Everyone is welcome to consult the library.
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Collection
The Wereldmuseum has branches in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Leiden; the libraries of all these museums can be consulted in Leiden. Due to the rich history of these museums, the Wereldmuseum has a unique library collection on ethnography, anthropology, visual arts and material culture worldwide, which has been built up since the early 19th century. The collection consists of approximately 80,000 book and magazine titles and originates from the Museum Volkenkunde, the Tropenmuseum Amsterdam and the Wereldmuseum Rotterdam. Over the years, the collection has grown with, among other things, books from the Aboriginal Art Museum, which closed in 2017, and donations from former curators.
The library also offers access to the museum archive, where research can be done into the history of the various collections and institutes.
Visiting the library
We would like to invite you to consult the library. There are facilities for making copies and scans. The books are not loaned out.
If you know which books you want to consult before your visit, you can let us know via bibliotheek@wereldmuseum.nl. The library staff will then prepare the books for you. Be sure to note the signature if you want to request books.
Visiting address
Wereldmuseum Leiden
Boerhaavegebouw (directly to the left at the Steenstraat entry).
Steenstraat 1A
2312 BS Leiden
Phone: 088 0042 907
E-mail: bibliotheek@wereldmuseum.nl
Questions?
For all your questions about the library, please contact:
Marieke van Bragt, archivist/librarian or Rinus Boekkooi, library assistant
Phone: 088 0042 907
E-mail: bibliotheek@wereldmuseum.nl