Everything in the field of textiles
The TextielMuseum is a dynamic and creative museum in operation, located in a former textile factory in Tilburg. It is the only place in the world where design, art, fashion, heritage and innovation in the field of textiles come together.
The combination of inspiring exhibitions, educational programs and the specialized TextielLab for making and innovating textiles makes the museum unique in its kind.
In the TextielLab, the beating heart of the TextielMuseum, you can see over the shoulders of (inter) national artists and designers. Here they investigate the endless possibilities of textiles together with our experts.
In 2017, the museum won the BankGiro Loterij Museum Prize in the Fashion & Design category. And our unique museum concept was awarded the international Best in Heritage Award in 2018.
TextielLab: research and education
In the former weaving mill, the TextielLab shows as a contemporary variant of a factory what is possible today in the field of weaving, knitting, tufting, embroidery and lasering. In this modern textile laboratory we use the latest technologies. The most advanced machines are in operation on a daily basis. Various designers, architects, artists and students conduct high-profile research and work on innovative textile projects. And we offer numerous educational talent development programs. We also maintain and further develop the craft with the accompanying craftsmanship. All this knowledge and expertise is passed on to the next generation.
Collection with masterpieces
The museum’s unique collection consists of masterpieces in the fields of textile design, fashion, visual arts and industrial heritage. The collection and the exhibitions do not stand alone; they are part of a coherent set of knowledge transfer activities. The Museum Affairs department, the TextielLab and the Education department work closely together on this.
Library with more than 20,000 books
The largest textile library in the Netherlands is located in the middle of the TextielMuseum. A space for everyone with a heart for textiles, both professional and hobby. What makes the library collection special are the 20,000 books and a large series of magazines on themes such as textile industry, textile technology, visual arts and textile design. You will find information about art-historical subjects and about the very latest materials and techniques. There are also archives with documentation on artists, designers and various textile companies.
The TextielMuseum library supports textile students, designers and artists in their studies, their professional development and their projects in the TextielLab. High school students and other visitors can also go to learn more about everything that has to do with textiles.
Archives: nurturing knowledge
The collection and archives are an important source of our shared cultural capacity. The museum cherishes acquired knowledge about crafts, materials, techniques, patterns and recipes for centuries. From there, the step to the present is made very consciously. Not only with inspiring exhibitions and events, prototypes, autonomous works and exclusive productions are also developed and made in the museum on a daily basis.
