Wandering down a side street I stumbled across La Imprenta Municipal-Artes del Libro which is a building dedicated to the history of printing books which is open to the public. There is a permanent exhibition about the history of printing and graphic arts on the ground floor with an array of printing presses and machines dating from the mid-16th century. Looking at these cumbersome and labour intensive printing presses it makes you realize how we take today’s technology such as computers and lazer printers for granted. When I was visiting there was also a temporary exhibition about Clandestine Literature telling the history of illegal printing houses producing literature during Franco’s ban on book publishing. Entry is free and I would recommend a visit to this building if you are in the centre of Madrid. Indeed, stumbling upon this building was a lucky find - even if the temporary exhibition has finished the permanent exhibition is fascinating. The building is open Tuesday to Friday 10am to 8pm and on Saturdays 10am to 2pm. The nearest Metros are Sol, Tirso de Molina and Latina.