Are you a student, a researcher, or someone who takes an interest in antiquity? Come and pay a visit to the academic library of the National Museum of Antiquities. You will find a rich collection of over 27,000 books, journals, offprints, early printed books, and auction catalogues. There are publications on all the museum’s various collecting areas: Ancient Egypt, the classical world (Greeks, Romans, and Etruscans), the ancient Near East, and the early history of the Netherlands (until 1500).
Visiting the library
To ensure that we can assist you in the best possible way, please send us an e-mail (bibliotheek@rmo.nl) before your visit, explaining your wishes. Then we can get the books you need ready for you to consult.
- library address: Papengracht 30 (behind the museum), 2311 TX Leiden
- opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, from 12.00 to 16.00
- contact: Tel. +31 (0)71 516 3159 or +31 (0)71 516 3124 or by email: bibliotheek@rmo.nl
NB It is unfortunately not permissible to copy or scan any book that was published before 1900. However, taking photos (without flash) is allowed.
Volunteers
Since 2008 a group of dedicated volunteers has been working here to keep the library in good order and to receive visitors. The library is open to all: admission and consulting the books and other publications are free of charge. It is not possible to borrow books; you can consult them in the library.
- NB Do not forget to bring a valid ID with you when you come to visit the library.
Search catalogue
Using the search fields, you can find almost 30,000 titles in the library catalogue. Make a note of the classification number if you want to request a book.
Search tip: You can also search for part of a word. Type the letters in the search, followed by an asterisk: e.g. rom*