The invention relates to a bearing receptacle of a bearing of a cylinder journal of a cylinder of a printing machine, wherein the bearing receptacle comprises at least two retractable bearing shells and wherein one of the retractable bearing shells is pivotally disposed relative to the other retractable bearing shell. A drive for pivoting said one retractable bearing shell is connected to the retractable bearing shell by means of a connection. The bearing receptacle is designed to be locked and unlocked by means of a different drive, said the bearing receptacle comprising a pivotable retaining clip designed for locking the bearing receptacle. The bearing receptacle comprises a pivotable actuating lever interacting with the retaining clip, wherein the actuating lever is pivotally disposed by means of the other drive and independent of the retractable bearing shell. A spring is disposed pressing the retaining clip in an unlocking position. The invention further relates to a method for closing and locking a bearing receptacle of a bearing of a cylinder journal of a cylinder of a printing machine, wherein the bearing receptacle is closed by means of a drive and wherein subsequently a retaining clip is pivoted into a position in which said clip locks the bearing receptacle. The retaining clip is pivoted by an actuating lever, said actuating lever pivoting the retaining clip against a spring force at least during a part of the pivoting motion.