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The two precious reserves of the Moretus Plantin University Library preserve around 100,000 works and remarkable items dating from the late Middle Ages to the present day: manuscripts and autographs, incunabula, printed books, maps and plans, institutional archives, old newspapers, posters and prints, seals, photographic plates, postcards...
The reserves house fundamental works and rare editions relating to all disciplines taught or researched since the founding of the first faculties in Namur. By way of example, the BUMP holds an exceptional collection of illustrated botanical books built up from the library of Father Bellynck (1814-1877), and donations from the Count of Limminghe and, subsequently, Baron Empain.
The BUMP is also the custodian of a collection of over 600 16th-century Plantinian editions (including several very rare copies) and specific collections linked to the Prince de Ligne, an emblematic figure of 18th-century aristocratic Europe.
A diversified university heritage
The academic heritage of our Institution is a concrete testimony to the history of teaching and scientific research in Namur. In particular, UNamur safeguards several historic herbariums (the NAM) as well as a unique set of Brendel models, papier-mâché objects used at the end of the 19th century to teach botany. In addition to its botanical collections, the University also holds some very fine zoological and mineralogical collections, as well as old scientific instruments. An inventory is currently being drawn up by the departments concerned.
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Consultation of valuable works
For all requests to consult precious works, go to the "Consultations" page.