Paper Mill Museum, Basel (must see)

The Basel Paper Mill Museum, officially known as the Swiss Museum for Paper, Writing, and Printing, is a captivating destination located on the historic Saint Alban pond in Basel. Dedicated to the history and techniques of papermaking, book printing, and writing, the museum offers an immersive experience of these artisanal crafts, providing visitors with hands-on activities such as dipping paper, printing on presses, and exploring traditional calligraphy in the Scriptorium.

The museum is housed in the Gallizian Mill, a building that originated as a corn mill for Klingental Abbey in 1428. Converted into a paper mill by Anton Gallizian in 1453, the site remained a hub of production until 1521. Over the centuries, the mill saw ownership changes and structural expansions, including a significant addition by publisher Johann Christoph Imhof-Burckhardt in 1788. Later repurposed as a tobacco factory and warehouse, the building was faithfully restored for the museum's opening in 1980 by the Christoph Merian Foundation.

The museum spans 1,200 square meters across three connected mills: the Gallizian Mill houses workshops and event space; the Stegreif Mill serves as a café and ticket office; and the Rych Mill includes a shop, additional workshops, and displays such as a 1964 Fourdrinier paper machine. A highlight of the museum is the fully functional waterwheel, renovated in 2022 with a 300-year-old oak transmission.

The museum owes much to chemist Walter F. Tschudin, whose extensive research and collection of artifacts on Basel’s papermaking history laid the foundation for the museum. Established in 1971, the Basler Papiermühle Foundation, supported by figures like Eduard Hoffmann-Feer, ensured the preservation and promotion of this craft.

With approximately 40,000 annual visitors, the museum offers a vibrant mix of interactive exhibits and guided tours. Visitors can create handmade paper, try marbling techniques, or print with vintage presses, all while learning the finer points of bookbinding. The museum's commitment to inclusivity ensures participation for all, including those with disabilities.