Musée Gutenberg, Fribourg

The Musée Gutenberg presents the history of printing arts and graphic communication through realistic wax figures positioned at different stations throughout the building. The building itself is a protected Swiss cultural landmark and shows how these techniques evolved from the Middle Ages to modern times.

The museum began in 1900 as a small collection in Bern before moving to Fribourg in 2000, where it took its current form. This relocation made it a dedicated space for preserving printing history at the regional level.

The museum keeps traditional printing crafts alive by showing how typesetters, printers, and bookbinders worked with their hands. Visitors experience these techniques in action and understand the role these craftspeople held in society.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday with extended hours on Thursday, and audio guides are available in multiple languages. Admission is free, making it an accessible place to explore the history of printing techniques.

A highlight of the museum is the detailed exhibition about how Swiss banknotes are produced, which has drawn strong public interest. This section reveals the precision and security measures required in this specialized printing process.

Location: Fribourg

Inception: 1900

Official opening: 2000

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Part of: list of cultural properties in Fribourg

Website: http://gutenbergmuseum.ch/fr/accueil

GPS coordinates: 46.80728,7.16190

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:24