New diamond museum DIVA opens library

23.000 publications available in a Scandinavian style reading room

Once again the public has access to DIVA’s complete research library and special collections. In a stylishly furnished reading room visitors can consult magazines, precious works and reference books. DIVA signed a sponsorship agreement with the Scandinavian-inspired concept store MOOSE in the CITY in Antwerp who came up with the design for the interior. ​

The current holdings of the DIVA library total approximately 23.000 items, making it one of the most comprehensive specialized collections in Belgium on gold- and silversmithing, jewellery and diamonds, combined with a broad collection on applied arts and manuals on techniques and crafts amongst more general works.. 

Luk Lemmens, chairman of the Museumstichting: “We don’t believe that DIVA’s entire focus should be on exhibitions. We also want to make DIVA an august knowledge centre where people can read up on all aspects of silversmithing, jewellery and diamonds. Being an open house and attracting mixed readerships is part of our remit.”

In the space of just a few years, DIVA’s library team has managed to integrate the library collections of the former Antwerp Silver Museum and Diamond Museum, to conserve the ca. 1,500 precious works, to move 23,000 items to the new stacks and to make the collection accessible to the public once more. Furthermore, while the MoMu fashion museum is undergoing restoration, which is expected to take until 2020, DIVA’s reading room will give access to a part of the MoMu’s library collection as well. 

The look of the reading room, which seamlessly combines efficiency and aesthetics, was created by the Scandinavian-inspired concept store MOOSE in the CITY in collaboration with DIVA. Its sober lines contrast beautifully with DIVA’s sumptuous exhibition rooms. The furnishings include the popular String shelving and furniture by Normann Copenhagen. By thinking outside the box rather than opting for a classic library interior, DIVA is aiming to cater for everyone from researchers and students to private individuals with a broad interest in silversmithing, jewellery and diamonds. 


THE NITTY-GRITTY

The reading room is open to everyone as follows:

  • Thursdays and Fridays: 10.00 -12.00 hrs and 13.00 – 17.00 hrs
  • Every 1st and 3rd Saturday in the month: 10.00 – 13.00 hrs
  • on Mondays, Tuesdays and during school holidays it is only possible to visit the library by appointment. ​ ​ 

Questions? Kindly email [email protected] or phone +32 (0)3 360 52 40.
More information and access to the online catalogue and Instagram @divalibrary

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About DIVA, museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver

DIVA is the museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver in Antwerp. A themed exhibition trail will take visitors on a journey through Antwerp’s diamond story, from illustrious past to awe-inspiring present. Some 600 objects from DIVA’s collection are presented in such a way that the public can engage with them in a meaningful way. Exhibition sets, soundscapes, multimedia and interactive displays bring a different story to life in each of the six themed rooms, thereby involving visitors, sustaining their interest, challenging them to unlock the deeper layers and enriching their overall experience.    


Contact

Suikerrui 17-19 2000 Antwerpen

0032 495 89 33 12

[email protected]

www.divaantwerp.be