Manufacture – Musée de la Mémoire et de la Création Textile
Explore a historical textile factory turned museum, showcasing working machinery, art, and student fashion.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Museum opens at 1 PM
Manufacture – Musée de la Mémoire et de la Création Textile
Best Time
Museum opens at 1 PM

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historical textile factory turned museum, showcasing working machinery, art, and student fashion.
"Brilliant museum of the technology of the textile industry. Well worth a visit for all the machines on display."
🎯 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

Textile Art and Sculptures
Explore a diverse collection of textile samples, sculptures, and artistic pieces from the past century.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Engage with Demonstrations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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:🚗 Free Weekend Parking
Ample free parking is available on weekends.
:car:🚲 Cycle Parking Available
Secure cycle parking is provided inside the compound.
:bicycle:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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:🚗 Free Weekend Parking
Ample free parking is available on weekends.
:car:🚲 Cycle Parking Available
Secure cycle parking is provided inside the compound.
:bicycle:🛍️ Support the Gift Shop
If entry is free, consider purchasing items to support the museum.
:gift:What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
For those arriving by bike, there is cycle parking inside the compound.Yes, there are plenty of free car parks available, especially on weekends.
Absolutely! The museum offers secure cycle parking inside its compound, making it a convenient option for cyclists.
The most straightforward way is by car, taking approximately 30 minutes.
While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving or cycling are highlighted as convenient options.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Yes, you can explore the museum independently. However, a guided tour or using the audio guide is highly recommended for a richer experience.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
The live tours are often in French, but the museum provides tablets with videos of the tours in English subtitles, which work very well.
The working machines and visual displays can be engaging for children. Consider the audio guide or observing tours to enhance their understanding.
The 'Manufacture' in Roubaix refers to another textile-related site, often visited in conjunction with this museum, offering guided visits and loom demonstrations.
To fully appreciate the exhibits and demonstrations, allocate at least 2-3 hours for your visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, reviews mention that the museum has a good restaurant, making it convenient for a full visit.
While the museum has its own restaurant, the surrounding area of Roubaix likely offers various dining choices.
Information on bringing outside food is not readily available, but the on-site restaurant is a convenient option.
Specific cuisine details are not provided, but it's described as a 'good restaurant,' suggesting a pleasant dining experience.
Yes, you can enjoy lunch at the museum's restaurant or explore other dining options in Roubaix before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for any signage or ask staff upon arrival. Some exhibits might have restrictions.
The historical building, the intricate textile machinery, and the student exhibitions offer unique visual opportunities.
Generally, photos of the machines are permitted, but always be mindful of other visitors and any specific rules.
The areas with the active looms and the displays of student creations are particularly photogenic.
Instagram reels often showcase the student fashion exhibits, the historical architecture, and sometimes special light projections during events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the visual aspects of the exhibits, such as the diverse textile art and sculptures, and the creative student fashion displays. These can spark imagination and provide talking points. The museum's restaurant also offers a convenient option for family meals during your visit.
🎨 Art & History Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Textile Heritage
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.
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. The museum also participates in special events, such as the Nuit des Musées, featuring unique projections and artistic collaborations.
Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Fellow Travelers
For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, the audio guide with English subtitles is a highly recommended alternative. 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. 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.
When it comes to timing, the museum typically opens its doors in the afternoon, around 1 PM on weekends. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit