The Story of Paper

Paper is everywhere, everyday: from toilet paper and shopping lists to the drawings you make on it. Wereldmuseum Rotterdam’s collection also contains everyday paper objects from different cultures and time periods. People around the world make paper in their own ways, using materials available in their local environments.

Paper was invented in China about 2,000 years ago and later spread throughout the world. Japan, for example, is known for washi, a strong and beautiful paper made from plant fibers. Long before books existed, people in Mexico used sacred paper called amate to preserve stories. In parts of Polynesia, people make tapa from the paper mulberry tree. Technically it is a textile, but it has also been used for printing newspapers. In the Netherlands, paper production began in the 14th century, mainly in windmills where old textiles were recycled into handmade paper. The history of paper shows how different cultures have used the same idea in their own ways—to write, create, and pass on stories.

Program with Unique Workshop Stations
For this extensive summer program, each participant* books a ticket for a complete 2-hour program. Step by step, you will learn how to make paper yourself from natural and recycled materials. Guided by our museum educators, you will work at three different workshop stations:

Pulp Station: Recycling Fibers
Process natural and recycled materials into paper pulp.
 

Paper Station: Making Paper
Create handmade paper and experiment with textures, fibers, and dried flowers.
 

Product Station: Printing on Paper
Print your paper using ink, patterns, and wooden stamps to create a finished product.
 

*Children aged 4 and up may only participate when accompanied by an adult. Please book a timed-entry ticket for both yourself and your child.
Maximum participants per time slot: 30 people.

• When? Daily from Saturday, July 18 through Sunday, August 30
• Please note: There will be no summer workshop during the weekend of Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23 due to the Molukkers aan de Maas event.
• Time Slots:
  11.15-13.15  
  12.00-14.00  
  12.45-14.45  
  14.00-16.00  
  14.45-16.45 
• Location: The program starts at Winston's Party Kitchen in the Superstraat. Meet at the blue cabin.
• Who is it for? Participants aged 4+.
• Cost: Free of charge, with regular museum admission. Museumkaart, Rotterdampas, Jeugdvakantiepaspoort, and other discount cards are accepted.

During the 2-hour program, you will work from raw fibers to a finished paper product. However, the paper you make yourself will not dry quickly enough to be used immediately. Instead, you will make paper for the next participant. At the Product Station, you will therefore work with paper that has been carefully made by someone before you.

Recycling Collection Point
This summer program can only take place with your help! Please bring basic materials to our recycling collection point before participating.

Materials We Will Use

• Onion and garlic skins (only the thin, dry outer layers — sorted by color)
• Egg cartons (please remove any stickers beforehand)
• Dried, pressed flowers
• Flower and plant seeds