TAMAT – Musée de la Tapisserie et des Arts textiles
Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles museum devoted to tapestry and textile arts, from the 15th century to today, with artist residencies.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
TAMAT, the Museum of Tapestry and Textile Arts of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, is located on the Place Reine-Astrid, in a neoclassical mansion in the centre of Tournai. It is both a museum and a creative centre. The non-profit association TAMAT has existed since 1981 and is part of the revival of Tournai tapestry after the Second World War.
The textile collections of TAMAT, the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, the Province of Hainaut and the City of Tournai span from the 15th century to the present day. They include ancient tapestries from the 15th and 16th centuries and contemporary works, shown in permanent and temporary exhibitions. A conservation-restoration workshop looks after both old and modern pieces and shares its expertise with visitors and professionals.
The study and documentation centre holds more than 2,000 specialist books and journals, and a reading room open three days a week. For forty years the museum has supported contemporary creation through a research grant that has become the “Recherches” residency programme: more than 335 creators from all disciplines have experimented with textile arts there.
Highlights
- Ancient tapestries from the 15th and 16th centuries
- Textile collections of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, Hainaut and the City of Tournai
- Permanent exhibition “Tournai, Territoire Textile #3”
- Conservation-restoration workshop and documentation centre
- “Recherches” artist residency programme
Permanent exhibition
- Tournai, Territoire Textile #3 – Permanent exhibition drawn from the museum's collections.
- Operated by
- Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Students under 26, persons with disabilities, jobseekers, teachers (Belgium and France), members of the FAP, staff of the City of Tournai, staff of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, FED+ |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free for children under 18, outside school visits |
| Seniors | €6 |
| Visitors with disabilities | €3Persons with disabilities, on presentation of proof |
| Students & apprentices | €3Students under 26, on presentation of proof; free for students in higher education in Tournai |
| Groups (10+ people) | €6 per personGroups of 10 to 20 people; €3 per person for groups of students (aged 18–26), people with reduced mobility, teachers or jobseekers; school groups free |
| C'Art | €5 |
| Article 27 | €1.25On presentation of proof |
| School group: guided visit (per pupil) | €3In addition to the free admission for the school group |
| School group: workshop visit (per pupil) | €6 |
| School group: meet-the-artist visit (per pupil) | €6 |
Free admission: The first Sunday of every month
Free admission also with the museumPASSmusées, the ICOM card, the Prof card of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, for the press, members of the Tournai guides' association, artists in the collection and partners, on presentation of proof. The ticket desk closes 15 minutes before closing.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- 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 museum declares itself accessible to people with reduced mobility and to people who are visually or hearing impaired. With the help of the Amis des Aveugles (Friends of the Blind), adapted guided tours are organised; tools for visually impaired visitors are due to accompany individual visits soon. Animals are not admitted, except assistance dogs.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
Discovery and activity booklets for children are available at the museum reception. Weaving workshops let visitors try it themselves.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Tournai Beffroi
Train to Tournai station (SNCB), 15 minutes' walk; bus to the “Tournai Beffroi” stop (lines 1, 4, 7, 88, K, R, V, W, B, Z).
By car
Parking available
Parking at Place Reine-Astrid.
Amenities & dining
Toilets in the museum.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Visitor guides and educational sheets accompany individual visits, with many interactive features. Free guided tours are offered on certain dates, for example “Regard sur la collection” (A look at the collection). Group visits can be booked online. A self-guided “Textile Arts” trail is available at all times. |
