Maison de l'Imprimerie

Maison de l'Imprimerie in Thuin is a living museum dedicated to the book trades, covering everything from papermaking to bookbinding. It sits on Rue Verte 1b, just 300 metres from the train station, making it an easy stop for anyone exploring the Haute Sambre area.

What makes this museum different?

Rather than displaying artefacts behind glass, the museum keeps its machinery running. The collection of typographic presses, engraving presses, type foundries, and bookbinding tools is still operational, letting visitors step into the working atmosphere of a genuine printing and typesetting workshop. The equipment traces the evolution of printing techniques from the early Industrial Revolution through to the 1970s.

Who founded it, and why?

The museum was created by Ghislain Bourdon, who deliberately chose to call it a "house" (maison) rather than a museum — he wanted visitors to feel warmth and conviviality rather than the distance of a formal institution. That intention shapes the whole visit: guests don't just observe, they take part in the printing process itself.

What crafts and techniques are on display?

The programme covers handmade rag-paper production, typographic composition and printing, engraving, lithography, old-style type casting, and bookbinding. A reconstructed papermaking workshop, alongside engraving and bookbinding stations, lets visitors try their hand at several stages of the craft.

What do visitors take home?

Guests actively participate in printing during the visit and can keep the print they produce themselves — some are pulled on a press dating back to 1823, adding a genuine historical dimension to the experience.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the museum located? At Rue Verte 1b, 6530 Thuin, close to the town's train station.

What are the opening hours? Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, Saturday from 9am to 4pm, and the first Sunday of each month from 1pm to 6pm. Last admission is one hour before closing.

How much does a visit cost? A guided visit costs €7 for adults and €5 for seniors, students, and children.

Can anyone take part in the hands-on workshops? Yes — the "living museum" format is built around visitor participation across ages, though it's worth checking ahead which workshops are running on the day.

Why is this place worth visiting? It's a rare chance to see decades-old printing machinery actually working rather than sitting inert in a display case, and to leave with a print you made yourself.