The Royal Press Living Museum
Located in the heart of Melaka, The Royal Press is a polyglot letterpress living museum dedicated to preserving the craft of letterpress printing. Experience Melaka’s culture and history through its rich heritage and relive the journey of an age-old printing business.
Introducing : The Royal Press
Letterpress Machines
A range of printing machines remain at The Royal Press, and many are still functioning today. Among these is an original Glockner-Mercedes dating back to 1956. We also have a Linotype Model 78 made in 1961, an intricate line-casting machine that makes casted rows of letter types by melting lead metal.
The Printing Blocks
We have a letter-block library that houses over 150,000 blocks in four different languages types: Roman alphabets, Chinese characters, Arabic and Tamil scripts. This unique polyglot collection reflects the multicultural community that The Royal Press has served throughout the years.
Printed Artefacts
The Royal Press has a social history of 86 years where a wide range of materials dating back to eight decades, including medicine boxes, wine labels, newspapers, and more were printed. Printed memorabilia from liquor labels to old bus tickets to 1950s Peranakan calendars, tell a timeless story of the history of Melaka through its forgotten everyday treasures.
The Royal Press Tour
Book a tour now to learn more about The Royal Press! Explore the unique exhibition of classic letterpress printing equipment.
*Please note that children aged 12 and below and senior citizens aged 60 and above are not permitted during this period until further notice. Thank you for your understanding.