Peter Mitterhofer Typewriter Museum

Peter Mitterhofer was born in 1822 in Parcines (Partschins) and worked as a carpenter, following in the footsteps of his father. In 1864 he developed his first wooden model of typewriter, four more followed in the following years. But he had no recognition at all - only after the death he has been recognised as the inventor of the typewriter. On the occasion of his 100th death anniversary, in 1993 the Typewriter Museum - "Schreibmaschinenmuseum" in German, "Museo delle Macchine da Scrivere" in Italian" - was inaugurated in his birth place, Parcines.

In those days, the museum was hosted temporarily by the former elementary school of Tel, but already in 1997 it was transferred to the new Teisenhaus building, located in the centre of Parcines. Toady it boasts four floors and around 2,000 exhibits, providing an insight into more than 100 years of typewriting history. The exhibition comprises the timespan from 1864, the historic year of invention, up to the Eighties. By dioramas and modern communication media the visitors get illustrated information about this invention and its history of origins. By the way: the last typewriter was produced in 2011 in India in the last factory for mechanical typewriters.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Danish "Malling Hansen", dating back to 1867 and one of the most precious typewriters ever. This Writing Ball won several awards and Malling Hansen himself, inventor of this typewriting machine, received the golden honour-medal. Also the very first typewriter invented by Peter Mitterhofer can be admired in the exhibition. His 4th model, however, is displayed at the Merano Municipal Museum. And how to reach the Peter Mitterhofer Typewriter Museum? It can be found in the centre of Parcines, a parking place is located at the Piazza della Chiesa (Church Square). Parcines can also be reached by bus line 213 from Merano.