Musée Gutenberg, Fribourg

Musée Gutenberg Fribourg: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Fribourg Historical Sites

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Fribourg, Switzerland, the Musée Gutenberg was a celebrated institution dedicated to the history of printing and graphic communication. Established as a tribute to Johannes Gutenberg’s revolutionary movable type, the museum chronicled over 550 years of printing innovation, both globally and within Switzerland. Today, while the original collection has moved to Derendingen, the historic building at Place Notre-Dame 16 continues its public legacy as L’Atelier—a vibrant cultural venue. This comprehensive guide explores the Musée Gutenberg’s historical significance, the transformation into L’Atelier, practical visitor information, and tips for exploring Fribourg’s rich cultural landscape. (wikimonde.com, ville-fribourg.ch, ch-cultura.ch, Cityzeum, La Gruyère)

Introduction
History and Evolution of the Musée Gutenberg
The Historic Building: Architectural and Cultural Significance
Fribourg’s Printing Legacy and Museum Highlights
Practical Visitor Information
The Transition to L’Atelier
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References

History and Evolution of the Musée Gutenberg

Founded in 1900 as a dedicated “Gutenberg Room” in Bern’s Historical Museum, the Musée Gutenberg honored the transformative impact of the printing press. In 1985, the museum relocated to Fribourg, a city with deep historical roots in the Swiss printing industry. The Fribourg site opened in 2000, presenting immersive exhibits ranging from early book production to modern digital communication, including authentic presses, rare manuscripts, and interactive workshops. For decades, the museum engaged visitors of all ages, celebrating both the artistry and technology of print. (wikimonde.com, loisirs.ch, erih.net)

In late 2022, the collection moved to Derendingen (Solothurn) to continue its mission with Museum ENTER under the theme “From Gutenberg to the Internet.” Meanwhile, the historic Fribourg venue reinvented itself as L’Atelier, ensuring continued public access and cultural relevance. (ch-cultura.ch)

The Historic Building: Architectural and Cultural Significance

Architectural Heritage

The former Musée Gutenberg was housed in the “ancien grenier communal,” an imposing stone and timber structure constructed circa 1475. As Fribourg’s first granary, it was central to the city’s medieval food security and later served as a tobacco factory and fire station before its transformation into a museum. The building is a striking example of late medieval Swiss civic architecture, with thick stone walls and exposed timber beams reflecting the city’s Zaehringen lineage. (ville-fribourg.ch, erih.net)

Preservation and Modern Use

After serving as a museum, the city reacquired the property in 2022, investing in renovations to preserve its historical integrity while repurposing it as L’Atelier—a cultural venue for exhibitions, events, and community activities. (ville-fribourg.ch)

Fribourg’s Printing Legacy and Museum Highlights

Fribourg played a pivotal role in Swiss printing for over 250 years, with renowned typographers and workshops dating back to the 16th century. Notable figures include Abraham Gemperlin, who established the city’s first print workshop, and Jesuit scholar Pierre Canisius, who contributed to local cultural life. The museum’s exhibitions showcased the evolution of printing—from hand-operated presses to linotype machines—alongside interactive workshops, rare books, and displays on typography and bookbinding. (wikimonde.com, loisirs.ch, erih.net, La Liberté)

Practical Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Current Status: The Musée Gutenberg’s permanent exhibition in Fribourg closed in 2022. The collection is now displayed in Derendingen, Solothurn, in partnership with Museum ENTER. (ch-cultura.ch)

L’Atelier Access:
L’Atelier is open during scheduled events, exhibitions, and workshops. There are no fixed opening hours; public access depends on the event calendar.

Tickets: Entry is generally free; some events may require tickets or registration.

Check updated schedules:

Accessibility

The building is centrally located and mostly accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Some historic features may limit access in certain areas—contact L’Atelier or the city’s cultural office for details.

Getting There and Nearby Attractions

Address: Place Notre-Dame 16, 1700 Fribourg
Transport: Easily reached by Fribourg’s bus network, and about a 10-minute walk from the main train station.
Nearby sites: St. Nicholas Cathedral, medieval bridges, the old town’s cobbled streets, and the Fribourg Art and History Museum offer enriching extensions to your visit. (Cityzeum)

Guided Tours and Events

L’Atelier hosts cultural events and can be rented for private functions, including civil wedding ceremonies. Guided tours of the building or themed workshops may be available during select events or by request.

The Transition to L’Atelier

Following the relocation of the museum collection, the city of Fribourg transformed the site into L’Atelier, a multipurpose venue for exhibitions, participatory art projects, and community gatherings. The venue partners with local organizations, such as Labo urbain, to deliver innovative programming—recent examples include multidisciplinary exhibitions and interactive storytelling events. (La Gruyère, La Liberté)

To stay informed about upcoming activities, always consult the official city or tourism event calendars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the Musée Gutenberg open to the public?
A: The permanent exhibition in Fribourg has closed. The collection is now in Derendingen. The site operates as L’Atelier, open during scheduled events.

Q: How do I visit L’Atelier or book event space?
A: Check the Ville de Fribourg’s L’Atelier page or contact [email protected] for booking and event information.

Q: Are there guided tours or workshops?
A: Guided tours and workshops may be available during specific events. Check the event calendar or contact the venue for details.

Q: Is the building accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, with elevator and ramp access; contact the venue for specific needs.

Q: Where is the original collection now?
A: The Musée Gutenberg collection is now at Museum ENTER in Derendingen, Solothurn. (ch-cultura.ch)

Conclusion

The legacy of the Musée Gutenberg lives on through the continued public use of its iconic building as L’Atelier. Visitors to Fribourg can still connect with the city’s printing heritage and medieval architecture while enjoying contemporary cultural programming. For those interested in printing history, the relocated collection in Derendingen offers further exploration. Whether you’re attending an event at L’Atelier or discovering Fribourg’s historic sites, this destination remains a bridge between past and present—an essential stop in your Swiss cultural journey.

Stay up-to-date with event calendars and make use of resources like the Audiala app to maximize your visit.