BIKUBEN PAPER MUSEUM (PAPIRMUSEET BIKUBEN)

The Bikuben (Beehive) Paper Museum, located in a large rehabilitated industrial building, bears witness to the real revolution that changed the city of Silkeborg and ensured its economic prosperity, including the manufacture of paper made by hand from woven metal wire plates with relief patterns by a paper proofing system (a process similar to that of engraving).

The different rolls and molds with which the paper was made are presented. The steps are well explained: first, the water mixed with the papier-mâché is sifted, then a wooden frame filters the water through a plate, then the tested sheet is placed to dry on a large felt sheet. Apparently, Danish banknotes were printed (still by hand!) in this factory from 1910 to 1958. A room is dedicated to the machines and the different stages of production. The various materials are also exposed.

If you wish, you will have the possibility to experiment by yourself this know-how by producing paper, a workshop supervised by the staff of the museum which will give you the good advice and the necessary explanations. A very pleasant moment of practice, especially since you will leave with the satisfaction of having made a beautiful sheet of paper that you will be offered as a souvenir. This activity can also be done with the family.

To see: the exceptional panorama from the top of the tower (extra charge of 50 DKK, on reservation).