Typewriter Museum

The Typewriter Museum in Wattens is a unique and fascinating attraction that showcases the history and development of the typewriter, the culture of writing, lettering and text layout. The museum features over 450 fully-functioning typewriters from the collection of Jörg Thien, a business machines mechanic. The typewriters date from as early as 1884 to the present day, and provide a glimpse into the evolution and impact of the typewriter on communication, literature, and society.

The museum was established in 2002 by the Association of Information Technology Pedagogues (vpi) with the support of the municipality of Wattens. The museum is located in the Andrä-Angerer-Gasse, near the train station, and is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 14:00 to 17:00, and on Wednesday, from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00. The admission is free, and the museum is accessible for people with disabilities.

The museum is divided into three sections, each displaying a different aspect of the typewriter and its history. The first section is dedicated to the origins and development of the typewriter, from the first prototypes and models to the modern and electronic ones. The second section is dedicated to the culture and art of writing, lettering and text layout, from the first fonts and styles to the creative and artistic ones. The third section is dedicated to the special and rare typewriters, such as the first electric typewriter, the first portable typewriter, and the first typewriter with a memory. The museum also features some typewriters that belonged to famous people, such as the Nobel Prize winner Elias Canetti, the writer Thomas Bernhard, and the composer Josef Pembaur.

The museum also offers various events and activities for visitors, such as guided tours, workshops, lectures, and concerts. The museum also organizes a special exhibition once a year, usually as part of the “Long Night of Museums”, which showcases current and relevant exhibits related to the typewriter and its history.

The Typewriter Museum in Wattens is a must-see attraction for anyone who is interested in the history and culture of the typewriter and of writing. The museum is a treasure trove of information and inspiration, and a testament to the skill and creativity of the typewriter makers and users. The museum is also a place of nostalgia and wonder, as it invites visitors to rediscover and appreciate the beauty and magic of the typewriter and its legacy.