Cité internationale de la dentelle et de la mode de Calais

About the museum

The museum occupies the former Usine Boulart, a shared lace factory built in the 1870s by two brothers as investors in the Saint-Pierre district. The U-shaped, four-storey building was rented to several manufacturers, who shared steam, lighting and heating. In 1902 the factory housed up to 80 looms; its brick walls are slightly inclined to support the weight of the machines.

Industrial production continued until 2000. Between 1988 and 1998 the City of Calais acquired the site to create a place dedicated to the know-how of lace makers, to local economic and social history and to the uses of lace in fashion. The project by architects Alain Moatti and Henri Rivière added a long glass façade decorated with Jacquard card patterns. Works ran from 2006 to 2009, and the museum opened in June 2009.

Today the Cité presents the history of lace, its techniques, lingerie and haute couture on some 2,500 m², along with contemporary creations. The route culminates in a demonstration of cast-iron Leavers looms, commented on by lace professionals. The building also houses a training centre for apprentices in lace trades, a documentation centre, an auditorium and a restaurant.

Highlights

• Demonstrations of Calais-Caudry lace-making on historic, working Leavers looms
• Some 15,000 pieces of lace and 3,200 costumes and fashion objects
• Temporary exhibitions devoted to great names of couture
• Architecture combining the 19th-century Boulart factory with a contemporary glass façade
• Immersive visit of the factory as it was in 1890

Permanent exhibition

• Collections permanentes de la Cité de la dentelle et de la mode – Route through the history of lace, its techniques, lingerie and haute couture, with working Leavers looms.

Founded

2009

Operated by

Ville de Calais

Visitors per year

approx. 65,802

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month, Museum Night and European Heritage Days.

The price shown (€5 / €3.50) applies to a visit outside temporary exhibitions; during a temporary exhibition, the combined ticket costs €7 / €5. Also free for press and tourism professionals. Reduced rate on presentation of a same-day TER Hauts-de-France train ticket and with the Pass’Proscitec; reduced rate at the Louvre-Lens with a ticket dated less than three months earlier. Payment at the ticket desk by cheque, card, cash and ANCV holiday vouchers.

Accessibility

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

Step-free entrance, lifts serving the three public floors and a platform lift for the craft demonstrations. A wheelchair and stick-seats are lent free of charge at reception, and benches line the route. A tactile model of the building can be viewed in the documentation centre by appointment. Adapted guided tours, with hands-on handling of objects, are offered to groups.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

The museum offers cultural activities for families and lends free play kits “Les p’tit défis de la Cité” at reception (puzzles and details to find, about 20 minutes). It has joined the Mom’Art charter and calls itself “Musée Joyeux”. The site is fully accessible with strollers; a changing table is located in the ground-floor women’s toilets.

Getting there & parking

Access via the A26 and A16/E40 motorways (from Paris, exit 43 Calais centre ouest; from Saint-Omer or Dunkirk, exit 46). GPS coordinates: 50°57'01.1"N 1°51'35.4"E. Bicycle parking on the forecourt and a Vel’In bike-share station nearby.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Restaurant and tearoom Les Petites Mains on the ground floor, open Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 to 16:00 (lunch from 12:00 to 14:00), accessible without a museum ticket. Bookshop on site. Cloakroom in the entrance hall for items up to 55 x 35 x 20 cm; larger luggage is not accepted and can be left at the paid concierge service of the Calais Cœur de vie shopping centre.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 335 guests.

Auditorium with 203 seats, inner courtyard (up to 335 people) and restaurant (48 seated or 100 to 150 standing), available for private hire during or outside opening hours. Private visits for guests are possible.

Plan your visit