Search catalogue

Using the search fields, you can find more than 30,000 titles in the library catalogue. If you already know in advance which books you want to view, you can let us know via or 071 – 5163 159 (during opening times, see below). The library staff will then prepare the books for you. Make a note of the classification number if you want to request a book.

Visiting the library

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 more than 30,000 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).

• Management: Mariëlle Bulsink, librarian and archivist of the museum. For more information, please send a message or call +31 (0)71 – 516 3124.
• Visiting address: Papengracht 30 (our office building behind the museum), 2311 TX Leiden
• Open: Tuesdays to Fridays, from 12:00 to 16:00
• Christmas holidays: closed on Thursday 21 December 2023 and from 26 December 2023 to 8 January 2024

Unfortunately, it is 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.