Leiden research and study center for textiles and dress from around the world, with an exhibition space, a collection of more than 55,000 objects, and courses.
From September 20, 2026
Small exhibition of textiles from the holy sites of Mecca and Medina, organized together with the Stichting Güney; it also seeks support for a large donated Ottoman Turkish collection. End date not specified.
Special exhibition
The history of the paisley pattern, from its origins as the buteh in Iran via India and the Scottish town of Paisley to today's textiles worldwide. Dates not specified on the website.
The Textile Research Centre was founded in 1991 as an independent foundation to establish textiles, clothing, and accessories as a subject of research in the humanities and social sciences and in the teaching of craft techniques. Since its founding, it has been directed by textile archaeologist Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood, a specialist in Middle Eastern dress and embroidery. Initially, the center was housed in the Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde and contributed to exhibitions on topics such as face veils, the pilgrimage to Mecca, and Tutankhamun's wardrobe.
From 1997 onward, the TRC built up its own collection, which today comprises more than 55,000 textiles, garments, and accessories. Its focal points are regional dress, particularly from Europe including the Netherlands and from the Middle East, Coptic and Syriac liturgical textiles, more than a hundred American quilts, lace and embroidery, and tools of pre-industrial textile production. There is also a reference collection of fibers, yarns, and dyes and a library of around 7,000 books. The catalog is freely accessible online.
In 2009, the TRC moved into a house on the Hogewoerd in Leiden's old town, where it stayed for about 16 years. It then moved to a town villa on the Boerhaavelaan behind Leiden Centraal station; according to the TRC, the new address has been in effect since April 1, 2026. It offers an exhibition space, storage, workrooms, and offices. The work is largely carried out by volunteers; in addition to exhibitions, the center offers intensive courses, workshops, study days, and lectures.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Leiden Centraal
Located directly behind Leiden Centraal station.
Small shop supporting the TRC; specialist library for researchers.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
| Good to know | Five-day intensive textile courses, Wednesday workshops (e.g., tablet weaving, nålbinding, embroidery), study days, and Sunday lectures; registration via the website. The collection and library are used by students and researchers from many countries. |
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