One of Lyon’s most famous industries is celebrated in the Textile Museum, an attraction that has been highlighting the city’s renowned fabrics since the mid 19th century. This intriguing museum can be found in an 18th-century mansion in the heart of Lyon’s central island. Marvel at the items crafted from Lyonnais textiles and trace the history of fabric-making from 4,000 years ago to the present day.
Toward the turn of the 19th century, Lyon Chamber of Commerce officials realized the need to preserve and collect the textiles created in their city and around the world. After this, a museum was swiftly established, opening in 1864 in the center of Lyon. Marvel today at the highlights of a collection that contains over 2.5 million items, the result of 150 years of collecting.
Browse displays documenting thousands of years of textiles. The silk collection is particularly large, thanks to Lyon’s pre-eminence in the world stage as a silk producer from the 16th century onward. Look for the intricately detailed wall coverings made with local silk.
Attend one of the temporary exhibitions hosted in the museum. Previous exhibits have looked at subjects such as Japanese textiles, opera costumes and the engineering behind textile factories. Ask at the museum to find out what is available during your visit.
Explore the adjoining Museum of Decorative Arts, which traces the history of design across the world. The collections here include paintings, clocks, porcelain and furniture from the 17th to the 20th century.
The Textile Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, except on national holidays. The museum is located in the 2nd Arrondissement, on the central peninsula of the city. Walk here in under 20 minutes from the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist or use the subway and hop off at one of the nearby stops, Bellecour or Ampère. One ticket gives you access to both the Textile Museum and the Museum of Decorative Arts.
