Musée des Tissus

The Musée des Tissus, located at 34 Rue de la Charité in Lyon, is currently closed for renovation with a scheduled reopening in 2030. As the world’s first textile museum, it holds a unique place in cultural history, housing a collection that spans 2,000 years of textile production. The museum specifically focuses on the profound history of the Lyon silk trade, which dates back to the Renaissance and established the city as a global center for silk manufacturing.

The collection features rare and significant items, including Persian rugs, Coptic tapestries, and silks from Spain and Italy. These artifacts illustrate the evolution of textile techniques and the international trade networks that supported Lyon’s economy. The museum also shares its building with the adjacent Museum of Decorative Arts, which displays 18th-century domestic settings, Italian Majolica, medieval tapestries, and contemporary silverware. This combination offers a comprehensive view of luxury goods and domestic life in Lyon.

While the main textile collection is inaccessible during the renovation period, the museum may occasionally open during specific exhibition periods. Travelers should check the official Lyon Tourist Office website for the most current status and any temporary openings. Admission is free for children under 12 and holders of the Lyon City Card. For those interested in Lyon’s industrial heritage, the Musée des Tissus remains a key destination, offering deep insights into the materials and craftsmanship that defined the city’s identity. Visitors planning a trip should consider this closure when scheduling their cultural itinerary.