Hans-Hilmar Koch Museum of Letterpress Printing
In the climatic health resort of Krakow am See, visitors will find the only museum of the art of letterpress printing in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and what's more: since 1998, visitors have been able to experience a family business from the early 20th century up close in the show workshop, where they can touch and participate in letterpress printing.
Note: Currently closed due to renovation work. Courses are still possible at the Schwerin site. The letterpress printer and typesetter Hans-Hilmar Koch has fulfilled his dream here, in the beautiful building of the old school: "Letterpress printing with movable type, as the letterpress process is also known, is the most important cultural achievement of mankind! I want to pass on this knowledge in the digital age. The sensual handling of paper, color and shapes, writing and words is being lost today." However, anyone who experiences first-hand how texts are still set in the traditional way using lead and wooden type and how they are printed on old letterpresses will gain a new appreciation of the high value of books as a cultural asset. Lovers of fine papers and high-quality commercial graphics can also place individual orders: Hans-Hilmar Koch produces printed graphics, family or business stationery through to calendars and printed napkins on the historical machines. In workshops, children and adults can learn about papermaking, lead typesetting, letterpress printing and bookbinding and produce their own printed matter such as business cards or greetings cards. Those who want to work artistically are introduced to the techniques of experimental linocut in the printmaking course. The Museum of Letterpress Printing is currently closed due to renovation work. Courses are still possible at the Schwerin location.
Hans-Hilmar Koch letterpress printing museum in Krakow am See - typography to experience
In the climatic health resort of Krakow am See, the Old School is home to the only museum of the art of letterpress printing in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: the Hans-Hilmar Koch Museum of Letterpress Printing. Since 1998, visitors have been able to experience a family business from the early 20th century up close. Those who have only known digital texts until now can experience how lead and wooden letters are set and processed on historical printing presses in the show workshop - an impressive cultural asset that is unparalleled far beyond the Baltic Sea region.
Workshops on lead typesetting, letterpress printing and bookbinding for children and adults
Children and adults can learn about papermaking, lead typesetting, letterpress printing and bookbinding in workshops and produce their own printed materials such as business cards or greetings cards. Those who want to work artistically are introduced to experimental linocut in the printmaking course. Hans-Hilmar Koch also produces individual orders on the historical machines: from prints and family stationery to calendars and printed napkins.
Currently closed - courses still possible in Schwerin
The letterpress printing museum in Krakow am See is currently closed due to renovation work. Courses and workshops are still being offered at the Schwerin site during this time. A visit can be easily combined with a trip to the Mecklenburg lake district or a vacation on the Baltic coast - for example in Rostock, Wismar or Fischland-Darß-Zingst.
Travel to Krakow am See - train, highway and more
Krakow am See is easy to reach: The nearest train station is in Langhagen, around eleven kilometers away, while other train stations are in Karow (Meckl) and Lalendorf. By car, the Krakow exit of the A19 freeway offers a convenient connection, only around seven kilometers from the town.