Centre touristique de la Laine et de la Mode

About the museum

From the late 18th century to the mid-20th century, Verviers was one of the great centres of the wool industry in Europe and the birthplace of the wool industrial revolution on the continent. The Centre touristique de la Laine et de la Mode (CTLM) preserves this heritage in the Hodimont district, in a former spinning and weaving mill. It has been run since 2003 by the ASBL Aqualaine.

The LAINE trail follows wool from the sheep’s fleece to finished cloth, with machines, vanished looms and the Salon de Thier, named after the factory’s first owners. It also explores the living conditions of the workers and their families, their struggles and the social gains that helped shape the post-war welfare state.

The MODE trail, open since March 2026, covers the history of clothing and fibres, industrialisation, globalisation and disposable fashion, as well as the impact of textiles on water, waste and climate. It also recalls that Verviers produced shoes, hats and leather goods. The centre also hosts temporary exhibitions, activities for schools and sociocultural events.

Highlights

• LAINE trail: from sheep shearing to the making of fabric
• Machines and vanished looms of the Verviers wool industry
• Interactive MODE trail on fashion and sustainable textiles, open since March 2026
• Audio guide included in the ticket, in French, Dutch, German and English
• Café with a terrace in the courtyard and a shop selling wool products

Permanent exhibitions

• Parcours LAINE – From sheep shearing to the making of fabric: machines, vanished trades, the lives of workers and social struggles in Verviers, the cradle of the wool industrial revolution on the continent.
• Parcours MODE – An interactive trail of about one hour on the history of fashion, fibres, industrialisation and disposable fashion, and their ecological and social impact; open since March 2026.

Founded

1999

Operated by

ASBL Aqualaine

Admission & discounts

A single ticket gives access to the whole site (LAINE and MODE trails), audio guide included. Payment at the till in cash or by Bancontact (contactless accepted).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The passages are wide and gently sloped for wheelchair users, and the café is easy to reach by wheelchair. Only assistance dogs are admitted to the buildings.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Seven educational activities for schools, from the third year of nursery school, with workshops (for example “La main à la laine”), games and investigations into clothing and fibres.

Getting there & parking

By car: E42 from Liège or Prüm, exit 4 (Lambermont), then 1.4 km (about 3 minutes).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Café next to the shop (drinks; small snacks by reservation only), with a terrace in the courtyard in fine weather. The shop sells books about wool and Verviers, souvenirs and wool items from regional artisans. Wi-Fi is available; access details are given at reception.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Hire of the inner courtyard, the bar corner, the café, a room on the first floor, a small room on the third floor (projector and screen included) and the Salon de Thier, with kitchen as an option. 2026 rates are on the website; catering for groups on reservation.

Plan your visit