Mainz, Germany: Gutenberg Museum
Johannes Gutenberg, a German goldsmith, printer, inventor and who is widely regarded as the father of movable-type printing press, was born, lived and died in the charming city of Mainz. His invention of movable-type printing press around 1450 revolutionized the publishing industry. Until the 15th century, the duplication of text was very complex and slow and expensive because they were mostly written by hand.
The Gutenberg Museum is a must-see when in town no matter how much or how little your interest is in printing. It attracts over 140,000 annual visitors to explore the history of printing, book art, and typography. In November when we visited it was operating from an interim location at the Natural History Museum and some selected items are displayed in the rooms of the former Poor Clares Monastery next door until the new location is completed.
One ticket price, visit two museums. Good deal.
The last paragraph says: "It is, however, not known what Gutenberg looked like. The first depictions of him were created around 100 years after his death. They show him as an elderly man with a fur hat and a beard."
I think this is an antique pocket-sized Bible.
The centerpiece of this museum, I believe, is the display of two original 42-line Gutenberg Bibles (circa 1450) in a specialized, secure, walk-in treasure chamber that is guarded and monitored. Crowd control is enforced in this chamber.
Aside from all the displays, the museum offers printing demonstrations and interactive experience where the visitor get the chance to try out traditional printing techniques firsthand. There are also film showings available.
Since we were already there and this other museum - Natural History Museum - seems like a bonus, we checked out the display. It's a small museum so easy to see everything.
I only photographed the large displays.
My pathetic contribution to Skywatch this week. It was gray and gloomy the entire time we were there and no sky to see really. But I captured this while walking around.
One ticket price, visit two museums. Good deal.
The last paragraph says: "It is, however, not known what Gutenberg looked like. The first depictions of him were created around 100 years after his death. They show him as an elderly man with a fur hat and a beard."
I think this is an antique pocket-sized Bible.
The centerpiece of this museum, I believe, is the display of two original 42-line Gutenberg Bibles (circa 1450) in a specialized, secure, walk-in treasure chamber that is guarded and monitored. Crowd control is enforced in this chamber.
Aside from all the displays, the museum offers printing demonstrations and interactive experience where the visitor get the chance to try out traditional printing techniques firsthand. There are also film showings available.
Since we were already there and this other museum - Natural History Museum - seems like a bonus, we checked out the display. It's a small museum so easy to see everything.
I only photographed the large displays.
My pathetic contribution to Skywatch this week. It was gray and gloomy the entire time we were there and no sky to see really. But I captured this while walking around.
Two is almost always better than one. Except, maybe if you have two tooth cavities or something!
ReplyDeleteGutenberg changed civilization. Looks like an interesting museum.
ReplyDeleteFascinating history
ReplyDeleteLove the history, and the Natural History Museum was a nice bonus!
ReplyDeleteGutenberg! I enjoyed reading very, very much.
ReplyDeleteGood shots.
ReplyDeletelots of interesting things to see in this post, the swimfest has gotten my attention, shame I was never a good swimmer at school though, have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteLoved this visit!
ReplyDeleteOh, that wee bible is something else.
ReplyDeleteA wonder of places to visit. And two for one—what a bonus!
...what would he think of the technology of today?
ReplyDeleteIntriguing post and photos ~ thanks, Hugs ^_^
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting a comment on my blog ^_^
Truly amazing Gutenberg Museum, Great series of photos.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating visit! Excellent value for a single ticket.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and impressive.
ReplyDelete