Musée de l'Imprimerie
Explore the fascinating history of printing, from ancient methods to Gutenberg's revolution, within a stunning 15th-century mansion.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter than expected
Musée de l'Imprimerie
Best Time
Quieter than expected
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the fascinating history of printing, from ancient methods to Gutenberg's revolution, within a stunning 15th-century mansion.
"A bargain at 8 euros, this unique museum is a highlight of Lyon, offering hours of educational discovery."
Allocate 2-3 Hours ⏳
You'll need ample time to explore all three floors and the detailed exhibits. Don't rush this gem!
Check Special Exhibits 🖼️
Temporary exhibitions often focus on diverse printing techniques and art, adding unique value to your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gutenberg Bible
Permanent Collection
Witness a replica of Gutenberg's revolutionary Bible, a cornerstone of printing history.
Historic Printing Presses
Permanent Collection
See impressive, functional printing presses that showcase the evolution of this craft.
Renaissance Mansion Setting
Entire Museum
Explore exhibits within a stunning 15th-century Renaissance building, adding historical ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Allocate Ample Time
Language Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Recommended art museums
Allocate 2-3 Hours ⏳
You'll need ample time to explore all three floors and the detailed exhibits. Don't rush this gem!
Check Special Exhibits 🖼️
Temporary exhibitions often focus on diverse printing techniques and art, adding unique value to your visit.
English Signage Available ✅
Permanent collection signs are translated, making it accessible for English speakers.
Gift Shop Treasures 🎁
Find unique postcards, books, and printed materials – perfect souvenirs.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate 2-3 Hours ⏳
You'll need ample time to explore all three floors and the detailed exhibits. Don't rush this gem!
Check Special Exhibits 🖼️
Temporary exhibitions often focus on diverse printing techniques and art, adding unique value to your visit.
English Signage Available ✅
Permanent collection signs are translated, making it accessible for English speakers.
Gift Shop Treasures 🎁
Find unique postcards, books, and printed materials – perfect souvenirs.
Great Value for Money 💰
At around 8 euros, it's considered a bargain for the quality and depth of exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Musée de l'Imprimerie as a unique and highly recommended gem in Lyon, offering exceptional value for its modest entry fee. Its detailed exhibits on the history of printing, housed in a beautiful Renaissance building, provide an educational and engaging experience for those interested in the subject. While some special exhibitions may be primarily in French, the permanent collection's English signage makes it accessible to a wider audience.
"Amazing museum and the highlight of my trip to Lyon - you need at least 3 hours to visit properly and it’s a bargain at only 8 euros - I visited on a Saturday but it was very quiet. Suitable for anyone over the age of 14 I would say. The collections have signs translated into English but the exhibition is only displayed en Francais- highly recommended"
Nichola Sherriff
"I guarantee that you will learn something new visiting this unique museum. I know I did! The signage is in both French and English, which is not the case with most museums in the city. The special exhibit was not in English, but they did have a guide for non-French speaking visitors. The museum is three floors with a lot to see. It is by text and graphic heavy and there is a lot of reading about the displays. The explanation of the different printing presses was really helpful. I would recommend this museum for mature, early teens and up. It would be easy to spend between one and two hours at this museum, taking in both the permanent collection and the temporary exhibit. There’s a small gift shop with a few postcards and some interesting books and printed materials."
LS Sheldon
"Very great museum! One of the best in Lyon"
Rinor Zejna
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Musée de l'Imprimerie is located downtown in a beautiful Renaissance building. It's easily accessible by public transport within Lyon. Consider using the metro or tram lines that stop near the city center, followed by a short walk. Check local transport apps for the most convenient routes from your accommodation.
Parking in the downtown area of Lyon can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation to reach the museum. If you must drive, look for nearby public parking garages, but factor in extra time and cost.
Yes, the museum is situated in a central area of Lyon, making it walkable from many other popular attractions. This allows for easy integration into a day of sightseeing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are very reasonable, often around 8 euros for general admission, making it a great value. It's advisable to check the official museum website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.
While not always strictly necessary, especially on weekdays, booking tickets in advance can save time, particularly if you plan to visit during peak tourist seasons or on weekends. Check the museum's website for online booking options.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to consult the official Musée de l'Imprimerie website for the most up-to-date information on days and times of operation.
The museum is generally recommended for visitors aged 14 and above due to the text-heavy nature of the exhibits. However, younger visitors with an interest in history and art may also find it engaging.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors recommend allocating at least 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the museum's three floors and its comprehensive collections. Some suggest even longer if you're particularly interested in the details.
The permanent collection features signage translated into English, making it accessible. Special exhibitions might be primarily in French, but guides are sometimes available for non-French speakers.
Expect a rich history of printing, from ancient papyrus methods to Gutenberg's Bible, and the evolution of fonts, papers, and magazines. You'll see various printing presses, lithograph blocks, and carving tools.
While the museum is largely text and graphic heavy, the displays of historical printing presses and tools offer a tangible connection to the past, providing an engaging visual and educational experience.
Yes, there is a small gift shop offering postcards, interesting books, and printed materials related to the museum's collections. It's a great place to find unique souvenirs.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, especially for special exhibitions. It's always best to check for signage or ask museum staff if photography is permitted, particularly without flash, to protect the delicate exhibits.
The historic printing presses and the intricate details of old books and manuscripts offer excellent photographic opportunities. The Renaissance architecture of the building itself is also quite photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 History Buffs & Art Enthusiasts
💡 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Evolution of Printing
Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of prints, books, and physical objects that bring this history to life. This includes impressive, and sometimes functional, printing presses, lithograph blocks, and carving tools. The explanations of the different printing presses are particularly helpful, providing a clear understanding of the mechanical processes involved. The museum's commitment to showcasing this evolution makes it a unique educational experience.
The museum's setting within a 15th-century Renaissance mansion adds another layer of historical richness to the visit. The architecture itself is a testament to the era, providing a beautiful backdrop for the exhibits. This blend of historical content and architectural charm makes the Musée de l'Imprimerie a truly special destination for anyone interested in the history of books and printing.
Visitor Experience and Recommendations
While the museum is described as text and graphic heavy, this is precisely what makes it so informative for those interested in the subject matter. The depth of information provided, especially regarding the explanation of different printing presses, is greatly appreciated. The museum is generally considered suitable for mature, early teens and up, suggesting it's best for those who can engage with detailed historical content.
The ticket price is frequently mentioned as a bargain, adding to the overall positive experience. Visitors often find it easy to spend one to two hours exploring, taking in both the permanent collection and any temporary exhibits. The presence of a small gift shop with relevant items like postcards and books is also a nice touch for those looking for souvenirs.
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