Musée Mode & Dentelle

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1977 by the City of Brussels under the name Musée du Costume et de la Dentelle, with the idea of showing lace in its context: that of clothing and fashion. Its collections grew over the years thanks to gifts from private individuals and purchases at public auctions. In October 2017, for its 40th anniversary, it became the Musée Mode & Dentelle to underline the link between fashion and history.

The museum is housed in five neighbouring houses on the rue de la Violette, near the Grand-Place; their different levels explain the changes in height along the route. The lighting is deliberately dim, at under 50 lux, to protect the fragile textiles.

The collections comprise around 20,000 pieces of lace, clothing and accessories, from the 16th century to the present day: Brussels lace, civilian fashion from Western Europe from the 18th century, Belgian fashion, haute couture and contemporary designers. Since 2016 acquisitions have focused on today's Brussels and Belgian fashion. As textiles cannot remain on permanent display, the museum presents its pieces in regularly renewed exhibitions, and the laces of the Chambre des Dentelles are replaced every two years.

Highlights

• Brussels lace, presented in its history and making
• Around 20,000 pieces of lace, clothing and accessories
• Chanel haute couture evening dress (1930-1931) and 18th-century court dress
• Chambre des Dentelles, whose pieces change every two years
• Belgian fashion and contemporary Brussels designers

Permanent exhibition

• Chambre des Dentelles – History and making of lace; the fragile pieces are renewed every two years.

Founded

1977

Operated by

Ville de Bruxelles

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of every month

Also free for City of Brussels staff, the press, professional guides, members of ICOM and ICOMOS, and holders of the museumPASSmusées or the Brussels Card (to be shown). Teachers may request free admission to prepare a school visit. With a museum ticket, a €2 reduction at the Design Museum Brussels. Payment by cash, Bancontact or bank card; cheques and meal vouchers are not accepted.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Lift; access is possible for people with reduced mobility on request, except to the Studio; electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Adapted toilets on the ground floor. The five houses of the museum are on different levels. Guide dogs are welcome; other animals are not admitted. An accessibility audit is available at access-i.be.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 7+

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly: not available

The museum is open to visitors from age 7; play trails and colouring booklets for children. Pushchairs are not admitted because of the narrowness of the rooms; they can be left at reception on request.

Getting there & parking

The museum recommends public transport. No bicycle parking at the museum: bicycle parking is available at Gare Centrale and at Bourse station. On foot: about 3 minutes from the Grand-Place and Bourse, about 6 minutes from Gare Centrale.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

No restaurant in the museum; many restaurants and snack bars around the Grand-Place. Small cloakroom and lockers in limited numbers; suitcases and travel bags are not allowed (left luggage at Gare Centrale). Postcards, publications and accessories are on sale at reception.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit