Nederlands Drukkerij Museum
Museum of letterpress printing in Etten-Leur with hand typesetting, hand presses and cylinder presses where visitors can print for themselves.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was founded in 1976. The idea came from Paul Valentin, chairman of the Royal Association of Graphic Companies, who proposed it in 1974 at the handover of the "Kopperprent" to Mayor Oderkerk. The municipality made a farm from 1800 available for the collection, which still provides the setting today; in 2026 the museum celebrates its 50th anniversary.
The museum is dedicated to the old graphic crafts: the typesetter, the printer and the bookbinder. On show are typesetting machines, type cases with various typefaces, hand presses, platen and cylinder presses, and an automatic Heidelberg platen press. Visitors may operate many of the machines themselves and make their own prints.
The Handzetterij (hand typesetting) and Boekdrukkunst (letterpress printing) sections explain how movable type and mechanical printing raised the number of copies from a few hundred to thousands, thereby accelerating the spread of knowledge. A library complements the collection; since 2019 a stairlift has overcome the steps to the upper floor. Workshops on typesetting and printing are planned.
Highlights
- Hand typesetting with type cases and movable type
- Hand presses, platen presses and cylinder presses
- Automatic Heidelberg platen press
- Print for yourself on historic machines
- Library on the history of printing
Permanent exhibitions
- Handzetterij – Section on the history and technique of hand typesetting with movable type.
- Boekdrukkunst – Section on letterpress printing and its importance for the spread of knowledge.
- Bibliotheek – Specialist library on printing and the art of the book.
- Founded
- 1976
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4.50Children up to 12 years |
| Children & teens | €4.50free up to age 3 · Children up to 12 years: €4.50; under 4 free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Companions with the relevant proof have free admission. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €7.50 per personGroup visits always on request; children under 12: €4.50. For 20 or more visitors, a €25 surcharge for an additional guide; outside opening hours also €25 (from 10 people). |
Prices valid from 1 September 2026. The Museumkaart is not accepted, but the Nationale Kunst & Cultuur Cadeaukaart is. Coffee, tea and soft drinks €2.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: not available
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The ground floor is suitable for wheelchairs, walkers and mobility scooters; a stairlift leads to the upper floor, where another wheelchair is available. Free loan wheelchairs and walkers at reception; no wheelchair-accessible toilet. Pets are not allowed, except registered assistance dogs.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bahnhof Etten-Leur · 1.2 km
From Etten-Leur station about 1.2 km on foot: follow the railway line on the left and after about 1,200 m turn into the street Torenvalk.
By car via the A58, exit 18, turn left at the traffic lights to the roundabout, take the first exit there; continue to Torenvalk and turn right.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Coffee, tea and soft drinks are available; the museum has a library.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Group visits with a guide on request (additional guide for 20 or more visitors). Workshops on hand typesetting and letterpress printing have been announced, but are not currently in preparation. |
