Manufacture – Musée de la Mémoire et de la Création Textile - several rolls of yarn sitting on top of a wooden cart
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Manufacture – Musée de la Mémoire et de la Création Textile

4.5
·840 reviews·Roubaix, France

Explore a historical textile factory turned museum, showcasing working machinery, art, and student fashion.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Museum opens at 1 PM

CrowdMedium
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Manufacture – Musée de la Mémoire et de la Création Textile - several rolls of yarn sitting on top of a wooden cart

Manufacture – Musée de la Mémoire et de la Création Textile

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Museum opens at 1 PM

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a historical textile factory turned museum, showcasing working machinery, art, and student fashion.

4.5
(840 reviews)

"Brilliant museum of the technology of the textile industry. Well worth a visit for all the machines on display."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book a Guided Tour

Enhance your visit with a guided tour for context and machine demonstrations. :walking:

🎧 Use the Audio Guide

English audio guides with subtitles are available for a richer understanding. :iphone:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Working Textile Machines

Working Textile Machines

Witness historical looms and machinery in action, showcasing the evolution of textile production.

Reddit
Student Fashion Exhibitions

Student Fashion Exhibitions

Discover innovative creations by fashion students, often inspired by unique themes like Wabi Sabi or lingerie.

Instagram+1
Textile Art and Sculptures

Textile Art and Sculptures

Explore a diverse collection of textile samples, sculptures, and artistic pieces from the past century.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Check opening hours, especially for weekend afternoons, as some sources suggest it opens at 1 PM. Consider booking a guided tour for deeper insights into the textile technology and history. Reddit

Engage with Demonstrations

The museum features working machines! While tours are often in French, tablets with English subtitles are available. Watching demonstrations brings the textile technology to life. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Museum opens at 1 PM
Crowd
Medium
When
During special events
Why
Unique exhibitions and activities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🌸 RENDEZ-VOUS AUX JARDINS 🌸 Samedi 7 et dimanche 8 juin au musée du textile à Cholet. J’expose aux cotés de @margot_serigraphie Venez rencontrer les artistes, visiter le musée et découvrir le jardin. #rensezvousauxjardins #museedutextile #metiersdart #arttextile #amidonnee #napperon #upcycling #craft #cholet
amidonnee
302 likes • 4.2K views

🎯 Book a Guided Tour

Enhance your visit with a guided tour for context and machine demonstrations. Reddit :walking:

🎧 Use the Audio Guide

English audio guides with subtitles are available for a richer understanding. Reddit :iphone:

Quand on donne carte blanche aux étudiants du lycée de la Mode, ça donne naissance à une expo inspirée de la philosophie japonaise Wabi Sabi. Découvrez leurs créations jusqu’au 22 janvier au Musée du Textile et de la Mode. 🪡👘 . . . #exposition #museedutextile #lyceedelamode #wabisabi #cholet #choletais #choletmaville #surprenantcholetais #mode #upcycling
choletagglo
45 likes • 0 views
Quand on donne carte blanche aux étudiants du lycée de la Mode, ça donne naissance à une expo inspirée de la philosophie japonaise Wabi Sabi. Découvrez leurs créations jusqu’au 22 janvier au Musée du Textile et de la Mode. 🪡👘 . . . #exposition #museedutextile #lyceedelamode #wabisabi #cholet #choletais #choletmaville #surprenantcholetais #mode #upcycling
choletagglo
43 likes • 0 views

🚗 Free Weekend Parking

Ample free parking is available on weekends. Reddit :car:

🚲 Cycle Parking Available

Secure cycle parking is provided inside the compound. Reddit :bicycle:

[Musée du Textile et de la Mode] Pour la @nuitdesmusees , venez découvrir une histoire textile choletaise en projection sur la façade de l'ancienne usine ! 👀🤩 Avec @etrangemiroir aux manettes! Le musée est ouvert jusqu'à 1h, à tout à l'heure! 😉🌃 #nuitdesmusees #etrangemiroir #choletagglo #choletmaville #surprenantcholetais #musee #mapping
choletagglo_culture
38 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book a Guided Tour

Enhance your visit with a guided tour for context and machine demonstrations. Reddit :walking:

🎧 Use the Audio Guide

English audio guides with subtitles are available for a richer understanding. Reddit :iphone:

🚗 Free Weekend Parking

Ample free parking is available on weekends. Reddit :car:

🚲 Cycle Parking Available

Secure cycle parking is provided inside the compound. Reddit :bicycle:

🛍️ Support the Gift Shop

If entry is free, consider purchasing items to support the museum. Reddit :gift:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(840 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Manufacture Musée de la Mémoire et de la Création Textile for its fascinating historical building, engaging working machinery, and friendly staff. The availability of English subtitled tablets for tours is a significant plus. While some wish for more social history, the technological focus and artistic displays are highly appreciated.

"Don't miss this splendid historical building transformed in a museum of sculptures, ceramic, paintings and textile samples from the last century.
Plenty of free car parks at the weekend. Opens at 13 pm.
It's about half an hour drive from Lille centre and also has a good restaurant.
Then go to the manufacture in Roubaix, about 4 'mn drive , for a guided visit and demonstration of looms through the ages.
Very interesting and helpful to understand the region and its importance and history."

Sandra Menant

"Lovely museum with working machines and friendly staff!
As it turns out we visited on a day where the museum was actually free to enter which was a lovely surprise (we made sure to buy some little bits in the gift shop to make up for it as we both loved the experience so much).

The tours are not in English, but the staff were able to provide a tablet with videos of the your with English subtitles which worked perfectly. We were also able to observe other tours being shown around which meant we were able to see (and hear!) the machines working in person which was lovely!"

Alice

"Brilliant museum of the technology of the textile industry. Could do with even more social history. Well worth a visit for all the machines on display."

Mike Blamires

What People Like

Working textile machines
Historical building
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Could use more social history

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Roubaix, about a 30-minute drive from Lille center. There are plenty of free car parks available on weekends. Reddit For those arriving by bike, there is cycle parking inside the compound. Reddit

Yes, there are plenty of free car parks available, especially on weekends. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum offers secure cycle parking inside its compound, making it a convenient option for cyclists. Reddit

The most straightforward way is by car, taking approximately 30 minutes. Reddit

While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving or cycling are highlighted as convenient options. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The museum typically opens at 1 PM on weekends. It's advisable to check their official schedule for specific hours, especially for special events like the Nuit des Musées. Reddit

While some visitors have reported free entry days, it's best to confirm current ticket prices and potential free admission periods on their official website. Reddit

Yes, you can explore the museum independently. However, a guided tour or using the audio guide is highly recommended for a richer experience. Reddit

The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions, including those by fashion students and textile artists. Keep an eye on their announcements for events like 'Rendez-vous aux Jardins' or student showcases. Instagram+1

For regular visits, advance booking might not be strictly necessary, but for special events or guided tours, it's a good idea to check their policy. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find a splendid historical building showcasing sculptures, ceramics, paintings, and textile samples from the last century. The highlight is the working machinery demonstrating textile technology. Reddit

The live tours are often in French, but the museum provides tablets with videos of the tours in English subtitles, which work very well. Reddit

The working machines and visual displays can be engaging for children. Consider the audio guide or observing tours to enhance their understanding. Reddit

The 'Manufacture' in Roubaix refers to another textile-related site, often visited in conjunction with this museum, offering guided visits and loom demonstrations. Reddit

To fully appreciate the exhibits and demonstrations, allocate at least 2-3 hours for your visit. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, reviews mention that the museum has a good restaurant, making it convenient for a full visit. Reddit

While the museum has its own restaurant, the surrounding area of Roubaix likely offers various dining choices. Reddit

Information on bringing outside food is not readily available, but the on-site restaurant is a convenient option. Reddit

Specific cuisine details are not provided, but it's described as a 'good restaurant,' suggesting a pleasant dining experience. Reddit

Yes, you can enjoy lunch at the museum's restaurant or explore other dining options in Roubaix before or after your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for any signage or ask staff upon arrival. Some exhibits might have restrictions. Instagram

The historical building, the intricate textile machinery, and the student exhibitions offer unique visual opportunities. Instagram+1

Generally, photos of the machines are permitted, but always be mindful of other visitors and any specific rules. Reddit

The areas with the active looms and the displays of student creations are particularly photogenic. Instagram+1

Instagram reels often showcase the student fashion exhibits, the historical architecture, and sometimes special light projections during events. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Manufacture Musée de la Mémoire et de la Création Textile offers a unique experience for families, especially with its working textile machines. Seeing these historical pieces in action can be fascinating for children, bringing a tangible element to learning about industry and history. Reddit While tours are primarily in French, the availability of English subtitled tablets ensures that younger visitors can also grasp the information presented. Reddit

Consider focusing on the visual aspects of the exhibits, such as the diverse textile art and sculptures, and the creative student fashion displays. Instagram+1 These can spark imagination and provide talking points. The museum's restaurant also offers a convenient option for family meals during your visit. Reddit

🎨 Art & History Enthusiasts

For those passionate about art and history, the Manufacture Musée de la Mémoire et de la Création Textile is a treasure trove. The museum's collection spans sculptures, ceramics, paintings, and intricate textile samples from the past century, offering a deep dive into artistic and industrial heritage. Reddit The historical building itself is a significant part of the experience, providing a backdrop that resonates with the past. Reddit

The emphasis on textile technology and creation provides a unique lens through which to view history. Witnessing the demonstrations of looms and machinery offers a profound understanding of the industrial revolution's impact. Furthermore, the museum's commitment to showcasing contemporary textile art and student creations bridges the gap between historical practices and modern innovation, appealing to a broad spectrum of art lovers. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of Textile Heritage

The Manufacture – Musée de la Mémoire et de la Création Textile is more than just a museum; it's a living testament to the region's rich industrial past. Housed in a splendid historical building, it preserves and celebrates the art and technology of textile creation. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of looms, threads, and fabrics, understanding the intricate processes that shaped local history and economy. Reddit

What truly sets this museum apart are the working machines. Unlike static displays, here you can witness the rhythmic clatter and whir of historical machinery in action. This provides a tangible connection to the past, offering a far more engaging experience than simply reading panels. The museum also showcases a diverse collection of textile samples, sculptures, and artistic creations from the last century, highlighting both the industrial output and the artistic potential of textiles. Reddit

Beyond its permanent collections, the museum actively engages with contemporary creation. It frequently hosts exhibitions by fashion students from local institutions, showcasing innovative designs inspired by diverse themes like Japanese Wabi Sabi or lingerie. These temporary exhibits bring a fresh, modern perspective to the historical setting, demonstrating the ongoing evolution of textile arts. Instagram+1 The museum also participates in special events, such as the Nuit des Musées, featuring unique projections and artistic collaborations. Instagram

Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Fellow Travelers

Planning your visit to the Manufacture Musée de la Mémoire et de la Création Textile is made easier with insights from those who have been there. A key piece of advice is to consider a guided tour. While many tours are conducted in French, the museum offers tablets with English subtitles, ensuring you don't miss out on the detailed explanations and historical context. Reddit This is particularly valuable for understanding the complex machinery and the social history tied to the textile industry. Reddit

For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, the audio guide with English subtitles is a highly recommended alternative. Reddit It provides comprehensive information without the need to follow a group. Practicalities like ample free parking on weekends and secure cycle parking are also frequently mentioned, making access convenient for various modes of transport. Reddit Some visitors have noted that the museum can be free on certain days, and if you experience this, supporting them by purchasing items from the gift shop is a thoughtful gesture. Reddit

When it comes to timing, the museum typically opens its doors in the afternoon, around 1 PM on weekends. Reddit This means planning for a weekend afternoon visit is a good strategy. For those interested in specific events, like student exhibitions or artistic collaborations, checking the museum's schedule in advance is crucial, as these can draw larger crowds. Instagram+1

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