Antiquarenbeurs Mechelen

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

The next edition will take place on 11, 12 and 13 December 2026.

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

Once again an exceptional Book & Print Fair in Mechelen: A paradise for enthusiasts and collectors.

The annual Antiquarian Book & Print Fair in Mechelen celebrated its 34th edition in December 2025. From 5 to 7 December 2025, Mechelen was the epicentre of an enchanting world of old and antiquarian books, bibliophile books, prints and engravings. This national and international fair attracted participants from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France and the United Kingdom.

During this three-day event, book lovers and collectors could feast on an abundance of magnificent literary treasures. From rare manuscripts to first editions, art books and refined engravings, this fair offered an unparalleled opportunity to browse, handle and of course purchase.

"We are delighted to once again offer a platform where book lovers come together," said the organiser of the Book & Print Fair. "Mechelen is the ideal location for this event, with its rich history and cultural significance. Visitors can not only enjoy the diverse selection of books and prints, but also explore the charming city itself."

After a day filled with literary treasures, visitors could enjoy the unique atmosphere and culinary delights that Mechelen has to offer. The Antiquarian Book & Print Fair in Mechelen is a unique opportunity to discover — and expand your collection with — a wide variety of items: Old and rare books, prints, atlases and maps, first editions, old master graphics, incunabula, manuscripts, international avant-garde, bibles, children's books, comic books, Japanese masters, artist's books, literary editions, modern illustrated books, bookbindings, engravings, travel accounts, autographs, rare imprints, private press, etc.

EXPO

During the Mechelen Fair, December 2025

The books and information shown at the exhibitions will remain on this site until the next edition of the fair.

*During this edition, two mini-exhibitions were on display:*

The Association of Antwerp Bibliophiles and the Dutch Society of Bibliophiles

These two associations jointly presented a mini-exhibition as guest participants at the Antiquarian Book Fair Mechelen 2025.

1. The literary group 'Pink Poets'

A closed circle of kindred spirits counted thirteen members, including Paul Snoek, Henri-Floris Jespers and Hugues C. Pernath. In addition to thirteen regular members, six honorary members were also counted among the Pink Poets: Ivo Michiels, Paul de Vree, Marnix Gijsen, Maurice Gilliams, Karel Jonckheere and Renier Van der Velden.
This literary group was known for sharing a common vision of poetry. They held aesthetic design in high regard and used artificial beauty and elegance to counter superficiality and banality. The Pink Poets were literary aesthetes with self-conscious decadent literary views, producing a large number of literary and bibliophile publications.

New during this edition was that on Sunday we visited a number of stands with a small group of young collectors. The aim was for the exhibitors to explain why collecting is such a rewarding pursuit, inspiring and motivating the young collectors to start building their own collections.

2. IKA Bookbinding Arts Programme

During the fair, students of the Institute for Art and Craft (IKA) presented unique and beautiful bookbindings — hand-bound masterpieces demonstrating a variety of bookbinding techniques.

EXPO 2026

The 35th edition in December 2026 will once again feature an exhibition. More information will follow shortly.

Interested in participating as an exhibitor?

Are you an antiquarian dealer, bookseller or print dealer and interested in taking part in the Antiquarian Book Fair Mechelen 2026? Please get in touch with us.