Museum of Typography

About the museum

The Museum of Typography was founded by the journalist Yannis Garedakis, founder of the newspaper “Chaniotika Nea”, and his wife Eleni. It began as a private collection next to the newspaper’s premises, with machines and objects that the founder had collected for decades, and was officially opened in May 2005. Until 2015 it belonged to the newspaper.

In April 2012 a new wing with exhibits on the development of the graphic arts and two special exhibitions on the history of typography and writing were added. In 2015 a room with rare editions from the 16th to the 19th century was added, linking the history of the book with the history of Crete. Today the museum extends over two large wings and two rooms, with a library, an amphitheatre for 80 people, a shop and a café, on an area of about 1,500 m².

The guided tour is interactive and begins with the origins of typography. Among the exhibits are two cast-iron presses of the early 19th century, a replica of Gutenberg’s press and typesetting cases. Visitors can print for themselves on the old presses. The museum has been a member of the European Association of Typography Museums since 2012 and was a candidate for European Museum of the Year 2016.

Highlights

• Interactive guided tour with the chance to print on the old presses
• Two cast-iron presses of the 19th century and a replica of Gutenberg’s press
• Typesetting cases and typographic elements from Gutenberg’s time to the 20th century
• Rare editions from the 16th to the 19th century and a library
• Amphitheatre, shop and café

Permanent exhibition

• Μόνιμες συλλογές: Τυπογραφία, ιστορία της γραφής, σπάνιες εκδόσεις – Printing machines and presses, exhibits on the development of the graphic arts and of writing, photography, artists’ books and rare editions from the 16th to the 19th century.

Founded

2005

Operated by

Χανιώτικα νέα – Ιδιωτική πρωτοβουλία Γιάννη και Ελένης Γαρεδάκη

Admission & discounts

The ticket includes the guided tour. Journalists also have free admission (on presentation of a card).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• 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

Easy access for people with disabilities to most of the museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Young and old visitors print for themselves on the old presses; there are educational programmes for schools of all levels.

Getting there & parking

By car, take the exit from the national road towards the Chania Craft Park (BIOPA) – Souda and follow the signs to the Museum of Typography. A taxi from the centre of Chania costs about €10.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café and shop of the museum.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The amphitheatre for 80 people hosts conferences, book presentations, performances and music events.

Plan your visit