Atelier-Musée Encre & Plomb

The Atelier-Musée Encre & Plomb in Chavannes-près-Renens, Switzerland, is a typographic printing museum covering more than 500 years of printing history. Run by volunteer retired professionals, it preserves and maintains working typographic equipment. Visitors can discover the trades of the compositor-typographer, linotypist, printer and bookbinder through guided tours and live demonstrations. The museum also produces small print jobs and luxury typographic editions with artisanal bookbinding.

Families and Kids

School classes from about 8 to 16 years old are welcome for guided visits that include a film on the history of printing and practical demonstrations of four trades by the Companions. The ideal class size is up to about 20 pupils.

Information

  • Visit duration: 120 min
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Topic: Crafts and industry
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Tours and demonstrations
    • Free entrance: No

Opening hours

A permanent presence is assured every Tuesday from 9:00 to 14:00; guided visits are by appointment on weekdays and Saturday mornings.
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
09:00-14:00
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Contact

Webpage
encretplomb.ch
Email
info@encretplomb.ch
Address
Avenue de la Gare 34, 1022 Chavannes-près-Renens

Access

Nearby stops

  • Chavannes-R., Préfaully200 meters walking distance
  • Renens VD500 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Lausanne
4m
Genève
38m
Martigny
58m
Sion
1h 13m
Bern
1h 18m

FAQ

  • How do I book a guided visit?
    Visits take place on weekdays and Saturday mornings and last about 2 hours, only by appointment. You should send your request (date and number of people) using the contact form on the website.
  • Are school classes welcome?
    Yes, school classes are welcome. The ideal age is 8 to 16 years for classes of up to about 20 pupils. The visit includes a film on the history of printing and practical demonstrations of four trades.
  • What does a visit include?
    A visit begins with the screening of a film of about fifteen minutes on the history of printing. Then the Companions demonstrate the trades of compositor-typographer, linotypist, printer and bookbinder with practical demonstrations and detailed explanations.
  • Can an aperitif be organised for groups?
    Yes, on request an aperitif 'on the marble' can be organised for adult groups, with white/red wine, mineral water, sodas, fruit juices, puff pastries and dried fruits.

Included in