Musée de l'Imprimerie et de la Communication graphique

About the museum

The Musée de l'Imprimerie et de la Communication graphique was founded in 1964 by three figures from the book world: the publisher Maurice Audin, Henri-Jean Martin, director of the Lyon library and historian of the book, and the Parisian bookseller André Jammes. It is housed in the Hôtel de la Couronne, a Renaissance building acquired in 1604 by the Prévôt des marchands to house the Maison de Ville de Lyon.

The museum has held the “Musée de France” label since 2005. Its chronological permanent route covers five centuries of graphic evolution, from the appearance of printing in Asia to graphic design, passing through printing according to Gutenberg, advertising, the circulation of printed matter and the irruption of the image. Lyon is presented as a major center of early printing between the late 15th and mid-16th centuries, and later as the birthplace of phototypesetting, invented by René Moyroud and Louis Higonnet.

Since 2017 the temporary exhibitions have focused on contemporary subjects or topics from the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum also offers workshops in typography, printmaking, illustration, calligraphy and illumination.

The museum has been closed to the public since June 1, 2025, for major renovation and accessibility works. It is due to reopen in 2027 under a new name with a renewed route; in the meantime it runs an off-site programme with Lyon cultural partners.

Highlights

• Chronological route through five centuries of graphic evolution
• Section on printing according to Gutenberg
• Lyon, a major center of printing in the Renaissance
• Birthplace of phototypesetting, invented by Moyroud and Higonnet
• Workshops in typography, printmaking and calligraphy

Permanent exhibition

• Parcours permanent (musée fermé) – Chronological route over two levels and three galleries, from the appearance of printing to phototypesetting and graphic design; not accessible during the works.

Founded

1964

Operated by

Ville de Lyon

Director

Alan Marshall

Visitors per year

approx. 44,395

Admission & discounts

Prices before the closure: €6 to €8 full price and €4 to €6 reduced rate, depending on the exhibition; to be confirmed at reopening. Free admission on proof also for job seekers, people on low incomes, culture and press professionals, members of the Amis du musée and certain City of Lyon employees.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Before the works, the building was not wheelchair-accessible (no elevator, layout of the premises). The ongoing renovation aims at accessibility. A baby carrier was lent at the front desk.

Kids & families

The museum is closed for works until 2027.

Getting there & parking

Drop-off zone for coaches on Quai Jean-Moulin (Rhône side). Vélo'v bike stations nearby.

Amenities & dining

The museum is closed for works until 2027.

Events & venue rental

The museum is closed for works until 2027.

Plan your visit