The first printed book in Europe

Around 1450 the patrician Johannes Gutenberg (about 1400–1468) developed a new method of printing books called moveable type. To begin with he experimented with printing small booklets. The first book to be printed with moveable type was the Gutenberg Bible around 1455, which is also known as the 42-line Bible, referring to the number of lines on each page.

In the early stages of European typography this Bible was completely unprecedented and even half a millennium later its aesthetic quality is still fascinating. The Berlin copy of the Gutenberg Bible, which was printed on vellum and bound in two volumes, is considered to be one of the most beautiful books in the world. Not only has it been well preserved and kept in pristine condition but it also contains numerous illustrations done by hand and a variety of illuminated initials.

The fascinating multimedia presentation of the Gutenberg Bible can only be experienced in person at the museum. It provides a very real experience as you can turn the pages as though you were looking at the original and you can learn about the printing process and the making of book art. In addition, you are given interesting background information on Johannes Gutenberg and why the Berlin copy is so special.