2_2_DiscoverGermany_February15_Issue23:Scan Magazine 1
26/1/15
15:29
Page 44
The Gutenberg Museum The Gutenberg Museum, one of the oldest printing museums in the world, invites you to journey through 4,000 years of writing and printing history. From the cuneiform tablet through to modern typography, from handwriting to the printing press, from Gutenberg’s workshop to newspaper rotary presses, The Gutenberg Museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions give an exciting glimpse into the realm of the “black art”. TEXT: GUTENBERG MUSEUM | TRANSLATION: EMMIE COLLINGE | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES
Johannes Gutenberg of Mainz, the “Man of the Millenium”, wrote himself into the history books when he invented the printing press more than 550 years ago. By introducing moveable metal letters, he began a “media revolution”. With the museum’s regular demonstrations in his reconstructed workshops, visitors can see first-hand how this process really worked. The life, work and inventions of Johannes Gutenberg are vividly presented – and eagerly devoured by the museum’s 100,000 visitors each year.
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The centrepiece of the exhibition involves two examples of the renowned 42-line Gutenberg Bible, which can be seen in the strong room. Founded in 1900, The Gutenberg Museum focuses on the man himself as well as all aspects of printing. Printing-related machinery, typesetting machines, and printing presses from across the centuries bring the history of printing to life. In the permanent exhibition important examples of European printing
from the 15th century to the present day are on display. A “world museum of printing”, the Gutenberg museum has created fascinating displays that outline the earliest history of printing in east Asia, as well as writing and printing from the Islamic lands.The museum expounds the development of script, the craft of book-binding, techniques of graphic printing, the production of paper and inks, and much more. Spread across four floors and covering 3,000 square metres, The Gutenberg Museum’s appeal lies in its accessible, thought-provoking and educational approach to the subject of printing. There are up to five special exhibitions each year focusing on specific aspects and special collections. One core theme of the temporary exhibitions is their role as a platform and forum for the latest developments in Typography.