The Royal Press

This is the Linotype 78, one of the crown jewels of The Royal Press in Melaka—one of the world’s oldest surviving polyglot letterpress museums.

While most presses handled one or two languages, TRP was a master of many, housing over 150,000 letter blocks in Roman, Jawi, Chinese, and Tamil scripts.

​Every time you hear the mechanical hum of these machines, you’re hearing the heartbeat of a community that has stayed connected through print for over 80 years.

​ MelakaWorldHeritage TraditionalCraft

Step into a world where stories aren't just typed on a screen, but are built piece by piece by hand. In this workshop, you can find experience a slow, tactile process that demands patience, making every printed word feel like a true work of art.

If you could hand-print one quote on a vintage machine, what would it be?

There's nothing quite like the texture and permanence of ink pressed deep into the paper.

At The Royal Press, one of the world's oldest surviving polyglot letterpress printing houses, established right here in Malacca in 1938, we have done that!

​It's incredible to see the history of print preserved—especially the 150,000 blocks in Roman, Chinese, Arabic, and Tamil scripts! Every corner is a story waiting to be told, celebrating the true multicultural heart of Malaysia.

​Have you ever visited a working letterpress museum? Let us know in the comments!

This beautiful colour, made with oil-based paint, is made with white, magenta and cyan.

Step back in time with a visit to The Royal Press for hands-on letterpress experience!

Creating a QWERTY arrangement from moveable blocks!

The art of letterpress, where every detail is meticulously arranged and ready to come to life on paper.

Black white of the letterpress printing.

Inking letterpress wooden blocks involves applying ink to the carved letters or designs. An ink brush or brayer is usually used to evenly spread ink on the block.

Linoboard craft is a popular and adaptable craft that may be used to make elaborate patterns, landscapes, portraits and other things. Book covers, textiles and other ornamental objects are often made with it.

Dear visitors,
We would like to inform you that our museum will be closed on the occasion Eid celebration. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you back after the holiday.

Eid Mubarak and Selamat Hari Raya to all who are celebrating!