OCTOBER 1454  |  MAINZ, GERMANY

GUTENBERG PRESS is a digital recreation of 15th century Mainz, Germany which was home to Gutenberg’s historic print shop. This 3D environment is the most comprehensive and accurate representation of Gutenberg’s print shop ever assembled, based on years of compiled visual research and expert curation. Curation feedback came from sources located around the world including kind support from the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz and the Stadtarchiv Mainz, as well as specific individuals such as Dr. Wolfgang Dobras, Dr. Alan May, Dr. Peter Karn, and Stan Nelson. This 3D environment not only includes the workshop itself, but also historically accurate recreations of the Mainz Cathedral, St. Maria ad Gradus, St. Gotthard’s Chapel, and other period buildings in the Market Square.

It was here in the 1450s that Gutenberg used his newly-invented printing press to efficiently print a complete Christian bible. While he only printed ~180 copies, his combination of a mechanical pressing mechanism and an easy way to create metal type was a groundbreaking combination that fundamentally changed the way information was shared. From this newfound “mass communication” method, both the Renaissance and Scientific Revolution grew exponentially and ideas were distributed at a tremendously accelerated pace. Although Gutenberg did not become famous or financially successful during his lifetime, his invention of the printing press and refinement of printing methods is recognized as one of the most significant contributions to human society in history.