Museum Stichting Lettergieten
Museum workshop in Westzaan where volunteers still cast lead type on Monotype machines and keep a large collection of matrices.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
When the Dutch Monotype company was dissolved in 1983, specialists joined forces to preserve the craft of type casting and the machines that go with it. This led to the Stichting Lettergieten, which today runs what it says is the only working Monotype workshop in the Netherlands.
The Monotype process was invented in the USA in 1887. Unlike the Linotype, which cast whole lines, it produces individual lead letters, which suits high-quality book typesetting. Famous typefaces such as Times New Roman, Gill Sans or Bembo were set this way.
The workshop is housed in a former school, the "Kroosduikertje" in Westzaan. Its equipment includes two original Monotype casting machines and two Supra machines, as well as an unusually large collection of matrices, for example for Garamond, Baskerville, Bembo, Bodoni, Cochin and Gill Sans. Around twelve volunteers operate the machines; they cast letters and ornaments to order and demonstrate the work during visits.
Highlights
- Only working Monotype workshop in the Netherlands (according to the foundation)
- Original Monotype and Supra casting machines
- Large collection of matrices for lead letters and ornaments
- Demonstration of running machines on open days
- Workshop in a former school in Westzaan
Permanent exhibition
- Museumswerkstatt Schriftgießen – Working Monotype casting machines and an extensive collection of matrices for lead letters and ornaments.
- Founded
- 1983
- Operated by
- Stichting Lettergieten
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
By public transit
Westzaan Kerkbuurt
Connexxion bus line 63 from Zaandam NS station to the Westzaan Kerkbuurt stop.
By car
Free parking
Parking available on the square in front of the building.
Navigation address: Jacobus van Waertstraat 53, 1551 CJ Westzaan.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Good to know | Visits on weekdays only by arrangement via the contact page. On open days, various machines are in operation. The foundation also offers type-casting workshops, for example a one-day workshop on August 22, 2026. |
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