Have you ever seen 160,000 ex libris bookplates, prints and illustrations by 5,500 artists from over 50 countries collected under one roof? No? Then you should definitely pay a visit to the International Ex Libris Centre, which is located in the Museum SteM.
Never heard of an ex libris? Let us help you out. Originally, an ex libris or bookmark was a small print or decorative label on the inside cover of a book, which indicated the owner of the book.
The Ex Libris Centre started in March 1975 with the acquisition of the Dutchman Jan Rhebergen's collection of 43.500 pieces. Over the years several gifts, legacies and other acquisitions were systematically added to the impressive collection. During the international Biennial of Graphic Art, organized in the Ex Libris Centre, new pieces of bookmark art are created too.