Musée de la Soierie

About the museum

For two centuries, Charlieu has been known for its silk fabrics intended for haute couture and luxury furnishing. The Musée de la Soierie moved in 1992 into the former Hôtel-Dieu, an 18th-century building listed as a historic monument. The former women’s ward was converted to house it.

The visit begins with a set of working textile machines, most of them dating from the 19th century. It also presents luxurious antique silk dresses and samples of haute couture creations. Part of the museum is devoted to the Corporation des Tisserands de Charlieu, the last weavers’ guild still active in France, which holds an annual festival with an auction of so-called charges royales (royal offices).

An audiovisual presentation completes the route and evokes the textile heritage that remains alive in the town.

Highlights

• 19th-century textile machines in working order
• Weaving demonstrations
• Antique silk dresses and haute couture samples
• Corporation des Tisserands, the last weavers’ guild still active in France
• Audiovisual presentation on textile heritage

Permanent exhibition

• Parcours permanent du Musée de la Soierie – Working textile machines, antique silk dresses, haute couture samples, the weavers’ guild and an audiovisual presentation.

Founded

1992

Admission & discounts

Free admission for children under 12, members of the Amis des Arts and Amis des Musées, ICOM card holders and the press. Payment by bank card, cash or ANCV holiday vouchers; checks are no longer accepted. Pass’Région and Pass Culture are accepted.

Accessibility

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

The entire route, including the machines and the projection room, is on one level. The garden on the street side has a few steps. The temporary exhibition is on the second floor, with no elevator. The toilets are outside the building, on the first floor. Chairs are placed along the route.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Workshops for children and families, a family package at a reduced rate, and a shop with games for young and old.

Getting there & parking

The entrance is through the garden, reached via Boulevard Leclerc or Rue Vitaut. Visitors with reduced mobility can have a vehicle brought close to the entrance if they notify the team in advance. For school groups, bus stops on Boulevard des Capucins allow pupils to be dropped off.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop, freely accessible during opening hours, even without an admission ticket. Garden in front of the museums for a break.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit