Turnhout (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈtʏr(ə)nɦʌut]) is a Belgian municipality and city located in the Flemish province of Antwerp.

This designation is entirely unofficial, since the Kempen area is far larger than the Turnhout district and does not form an administrative unit.

There is also an important services sector with two hospitals, a two-stage theatre, an eight-screen cinema and one of the largest cultural centres of Belgium.

The small community that developed obtained its Libertas as a "free city" from Henry I, Duke of Brabant in about 1212.

Suppression and inquisition made many progressive citizens to take refuge in the Dutch Republic, leaving the land of Turnhout impoverished.

In the late Middle Ages, Turnhout was a well-known center for the weaving of bedding articles and of the linen trade.

Numerous graphics companies are located in the region, such as Brepols, Group Joos, Proost International Book Production, Van Genechten Packaging, and last but not least Cartamundi, the world market leader of the playing card industry.

This is located in an old factory building downtown and houses a beautifully restored steam engine.