Koninklijke Manufactuur van Wandtapijten De Wit

About the museum

De Wit is a Mechelen tapestry manufactory founded in 1889. The company is based in the Refugiehuis of the Abbey of Tongerlo in Mechelen, a late-medieval building from the end of the fifteenth century that is protected as a monument. The abbey itself was founded in 1484. The studio, exhibition rooms and building are open to the public during guided tours organised by the De Wit Foundation.

According to the company itself, De Wit is a world leader in the conservation of tapestries for museums and private collectors. Over the past thirty years the house has carried out three of the largest restoration campaigns in the world. Its clients include the Louvre, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Art Institute of Chicago. De Wit also organises international tapestry exhibitions, and buys and sells old tapestries to private collectors and museums.

On the tour you see the private collection of tapestries from the early fifteenth century to the present day, learn about the history and techniques of weaving in a weaving demonstration, and get an overview of the conservation process. You also visit the historic building and the garden and, on some tours, the studio too, when the restoration team is not at work.

Highlights

• Private collection of tapestries from the early 15th century to today
• Weaving demonstration and explanation of techniques
• A look inside the restoration process
• Refugiehuis of the Abbey of Tongerlo, dating from the late 15th century
• Historic garden

Permanent exhibition

• Collectie wandtapijten De Wit – A private collection of tapestries from the early fifteenth century to today, shown in the late-medieval Refugiehuis, with a weaving demonstration and an explanation of conservation.

Founded

1889

Operated by

De Wit

Admission & discounts

Payment can be made in cash with exact change or via Payconiq.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

Children under 12 enter free.

Getting there & parking

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Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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