Musée Gutenberg, Fribourg

In the heart of Fribourg, Switzerland, lies a treasure trove of history and knowledge dedicated to the art of printing and communication – the Musée Gutenberg, also known in its original name as the Gutenberg Museum. This former museum, which once celebrated the rich heritage of the graphic industry, now stands as a testament to the evolution of printing and its profound impact on society. Although its collection has been moved to Enter Technikwelt Solothurn in Derendingen, the building itself remains a significant cultural landmark.

The Historical Significance of the Building

The Musée Gutenberg is housed in a historic structure dating back to the era of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the movable-type printing press. Located northeast of the Notre-Dame Church and east of the Tinguely Museum, this building has a storied past. Its foundations and cellar walls are made of roughly hewn fieldstones, while the upper floors are constructed from sandstone blocks. The eastern exterior wall is part of the city's ancient fortifications, adding to its historical charm.

The building comprises two distinct parts, each with its own history. The older section was initially a trio of residential buildings from the 13th century, later transformed into the city's first grain storage facility by master builder Peter Ruffinger between 1523 and 1527. The newer section, built in the 16th century, became the main structure with its characteristic hipped roof. Inside, the building's history is documented through visible sandstone supports and oak beams, with decorative elements by sculptor Hans Geiler.

Exploring the Musée Gutenberg

Visitors to the Musée Gutenberg would have been greeted by an impressive glass and steel entrance, a modern interpretation of the building's former use as a fire station. Inside, the museum's layout showcased the building's industrial past, with concrete floors and steel supports reflecting its utilitarian history. The basement passage between the two sections of the building provided insights into its architectural evolution, with old photographs documenting changes over the last 150 years.

The museum's exhibits focused on the history of printing and communication, tracing the development of the graphic industry in Switzerland. From early printing presses to modern communication technologies, the Musée Gutenberg offered a comprehensive overview of how these innovations shaped society. The museum also highlighted the role of Fribourg in the Swiss printing industry, with a particular emphasis on the contributions of notable figures like Peter Canisius and Abraham Gemperlin.

The Legacy of Abraham Gemperlin

Abraham Gemperlin, the first printer in Fribourg, played a crucial role in establishing the city's printing industry. Originally from Rottenburg am Neckar, Gemperlin trained under Ambrosius Froben in Basel before setting up his own press in Fribourg in 1584. His work included the earliest known book printed in Fribourg, Sebastian Werro's Fragstück des Christlichen Glaubens. Gemperlin's influence extended beyond his twelve years of active printing, setting a high standard for quality and craftsmanship that persisted for over a century.

Gemperlin's successors, including Wilhelm Mäß and Jean-Jacques Quentz, continued to build on his legacy. The introduction of new typefaces and the relocation of the printing press to Rue d’Or 9 marked significant milestones in the evolution of Fribourg's printing industry. Despite challenges such as the Villmergerkriege, which disrupted the production of clerical literature, the city's printers adapted and thrived, producing important works like the Histoire des Helvétiens and the first cantonal periodicals.

The Building's Varied Uses Over Time

Before becoming the Musée Gutenberg, the building served various purposes, reflecting the changing needs of the city. Originally constructed as a grain storage facility, it later housed a tobacco factory, the customs administration, and the fire department. Each of these uses left its mark on the building, contributing to its rich and varied history.

In the early 1980s, plans to completely gut and repurpose the building were halted by a heritage conservation report, ensuring that its historical integrity was preserved. The subsequent renovation transformed the building into a museum, with careful attention to maintaining its architectural features while accommodating modern amenities. The building's inclusion in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property of National and Regional Significance underscores its importance as a cultural landmark.

The Impact of Printing on Fribourg

Fribourg's printing industry, though modest in scale, played a vital role in the city's cultural and intellectual life. From the establishment of the first printing press by Abraham Gemperlin to the production of significant literary and religious works, the city's printers contributed to the dissemination of knowledge and ideas. The Musée Gutenberg celebrated this legacy, offering visitors a window into the world of early printing and the people who made it possible.

While the Musée Gutenberg has closed its doors in Fribourg, its spirit lives on in the Enter Technikwelt Solothurn in Derendingen, where its collection continues to educate and inspire. The building itself remains a symbol of Fribourg's rich history, a testament to the enduring impact of printing and communication on society. A visit to this historic site offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of technology, culture, and history in one of Switzerland's most charming cities.