Musée de la toile de Jouy

About the museum

The Musée de la toile de Jouy was founded in 1977 by the commune of Jouy-en-Josas to preserve the memory of the Jouy manufactory and its founder, Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf. It was based on an initial collection given to the town by Oberkampf’s descendants.

In 1990 the museum moved into the Château de l’Églantine, a commune-owned property, where it still is today. Its collections comprise around 12,000 objects: textiles, costumes, graphic arts, archives, furniture, paintings and production tools, complemented by a substantial documentary collection.

Its mission now goes beyond commemoration. It tells the story of the Oberkampf manufactory, which closed in 1843, through the know-how and creativity of its designers, its development and its influence compared with other European manufacturers. It places this production within economic, social, technical and artistic history and presents the spread of indiennes – printed cottons with Indian-inspired designs – across Europe, Asia and America from the 17th century. The motifs of toile de Jouy remain widely used in fashion and decorative arts. The museum also explores the role of the designer in textile creation.

Highlights

• More than 150 works on the history of the Oberkampf manufactory
• Historic rooms, including Oberkampf’s office
• Furniture and objects lent by the Mobilier national and the Louvre
• Exhibitions on historic and contemporary textiles
• Boutique Toile de Jouy

Permanent exhibition

• Parcours permanent : l’aventure de la manufacture Oberkampf – More than 150 works trace the history of the manufactory from the 18th century to today, with rooms evoking the life of the Oberkampf family.

Founded

1977

Operated by

Commune de Jouy-en-Josas

Admission & discounts

Also free, with proof, for holders of a press card or an ICOM card, among others.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• 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

One reserved parking space, and no level difference between the car park and the entrance; the driveway is passable but paved with slightly raised cobbles, with a tactile guide line on the ground. The museum has three levels connected by stairs or elevator: the permanent collection on level 1, the historic rooms and temporary exhibitions on level 0, and toilets and the auditorium on level -1. The “Souffleurs d’Images” service offers free personalized tours for blind and visually impaired visitors, by reservation at least 15 days in advance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Creative workshops for ages 6–12 on Sundays and during holidays, holiday activities for ages 3–14, free family areas with games in the galleries, activity booklets and coloring sheets, and Toile de Jouy clothing to try on at the front desk on request. Birthday parties for ages 6–12 (10 children, with at least one parent present).

Getting there & parking

By car from Paris: N118, exit 6A towards Jouy-en-Josas / Bièvres; alternative route via the N12, then the D446 towards Versailles-Porchefontaine. On foot, about 1 km along the Bièvre via the Chemin du Pré Bourgeois.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Toile de Jouy shop with creations reinterpreting motifs from the museum’s archives; separate opening hours.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 32 guests.

A conference room, renovated and equipped in 2022: 18 people in meeting layout, 32 in conference layout. Seminars, meetings and corporate workshops; a guided tour or workshop can be added as an option; from €250 for a half-day.

Plan your visit