Muzeum Lniarstwa im. Filipa de Girarda w Żyrardowie

About the museum

The Muzeum Lniarstwa (Flax Museum) tells the story of Żyrardów, whose origins go back to 1829 and which is linked to the largest centre of the linen industry in Europe, the Fabryka Wyrobów Lnianych (Linen Products Factory). The museum is at ul. Dittricha 18, part of the historic complex of the 19th-century factory settlement, which is recognised as a historic monument. It is housed in the former printing works of the Zakłady Lniarskie, where tablecloths, napkins and richly decorated fabrics were produced.

The collection contains several dozen historic machines that form a technological chain from the raw material to the finished linen fabric. They include a loom on which a Guinness World Record was set for the longest tablecloth in the world, the only park of working Jacquard looms in Poland with a Verdola attachment, tape heddles and a collection of decorative sewing machines. The exhibition “Tkane sita” (Woven Screens) presents the largest collection in Poland of large-format screen-printing stencils used to decorate fabrics.

In 2020 the museum took over sixteen historic Jacquard looms, which are operated in summer for demonstration purposes in the museum’s weaving workshop. The institution works with former factory employees and runs a programme teaching vanishing trades. The museum also includes the Industrialna Zagroda (Industrial Farmstead) with animals, which has been operating since 2017.

Highlights

• Seven exhibitions showing the process of working flax from plant to fabric
• The only park of working Jacquard looms in Poland, with a Verdola attachment
• “Tkane sita” exhibition with the largest collection in Poland of screen-printing stencils
• Loom on which a Guinness World Record was set for the longest tablecloth
• Industrial Farmstead with camels, alpacas and other animals

Permanent exhibitions

• Tkane sita – Exhibition on screen printing at the Zakłady Lniarskie in Żyrardów, with the largest collection in Poland of large-format stencils.
• Żakardowe wzory – Exhibition devoted to the last factory in the country producing Jacquard linen fabrics and its park of machines.
• Żyrardów. Miasto lnem tkane – Large-format photographs of the former factory and glass information panels beside the textile machines tell the story of the factory.

Admission & discounts

The ticket gives access to the museum grounds and the Industrial Farmstead. Payment in cash, by card or by BLIK; an invoice can be issued if requested at reception before payment.

Accessibility

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

The entrance to the building is accessible from the pavement, and the reception is on the same level. Because of the historic character of the building, it is only partly adapted for people with disabilities. There is a parking space for people with disabilities in front of the museum. No induction loops, Braille markings or sign language interpreter are provided; visitors may enter with an assistance dog.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The museum has an audio path for children and parents (radio play), educational and artistic workshops, and the Industrial Farmstead with animals, included in the ticket price.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The museum makes its industrial space available to artists, institutions and companies; music videos, exhibitions, fashion shows and photo sessions have taken place here.

Plan your visit