To spot the Museum of Printing and Graphic Communication, look for a long, historic building with light tan walls, lined with tall windows in neat rows. Above the arched entrance, you’ll see orange banners with white writing calling out “Musée de l’Imprimerie”-they’ll help you pick it out from the other buildings on rue de la Poulaillerie. If you see large stone door frames and those bright banners, you’re at the right place!
Alright, take a moment and imagine you’re not just standing on a quiet Lyon street, but stepping into a time machine disguised as an old building. This place first opened its doors to the public in 1964 but has roots stretching all the way back to the lively days of the late 1400s, when merchants here buzzed with excitement, making Lyon a European hotspot. Picture the secret energy of the Renaissance, the soft sound of shoes on stone as businessmen zipped in and out, probably dreaming about becoming the next big thing-much like today’s start-up founders, but with fancier hats.
The museum has a very special job: it collects, protects, and brings to life the treasures of books and graphics from long ago until today. Inside, you’ll find tools that feel almost magical-strange old metal letters, colorful vignettes, inky presses, and the clatter of machines that once made books by hand. Some of these belonged to Maurice Audin, a passionate printer who devoted his life to gathering this collection. Rumor has it, Maurice could spot a rare font from across a room-now that’s a party trick!
Back in the day, this building hosted grand city events, and in 1643, the whole city was dedicated to Notre-Dame in a big ceremony held right here. Just imagine: flickering candlelight, busy city leaders whispering nervously, and upstairs, perhaps a curious apprentice sneaking a peek down the stairs.
The museum isn’t just for looking-it thrives on sharing, teaching, and letting you try your hand at calligraphy, bookbinding, and even making your own prints. And over the years, it’s changed a lot to welcome more people, making the mysterious world of ink and paper easy to explore and enjoy. Don’t worry if your handwriting is messier than a doctor’s prescription-here, everyone is an artist-in-training!
So, as you stand in front of this solid, centuries-old building, let your eyes wander over the archway, feel the echo of history under your feet, and get ready to step inside. Who knows, maybe you’ll leave inspired to write-or print-a few stories of your own!
Fascinated by the history of the museum, the building: the hôtel de la couronne or the the permanent exhibition route? Let's chat about it
