Set in the heart of an authentic 19th-century lace factory, the Cité de la dentelle et de la mode de Calais is the standard-setting museum for loom-woven lace.
Combining a fashion museum with an industrial museum, its vast galleries showcase the techniques, lingerie and haute couture, as well as the most contemporary aspects of this luxury textile.
The climax of your visit to this great museum is when you see the lace looms in operation, the monumental cast-iron machines that produce this exceptional fabric.
The Cité is also a prime fashion venue. The exhibition gallery showcases the work of the great couturiers and renowned young designers (Hubert de Givenchy, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Anne Valérie Hash, Iris Van Herpen, etc.). As for the topical gallery, it is dedicated to the vibrant contemporary textile and fashion scene.
Throughout the year, the Cité offers a wide range of activities for both individual visitors and groups: cultural activities for families, discussions and social events, textile workshops, guided tours, artistic performances and shows. Nestled in the heart of the city, the museum also offers a wide range of services, including an auditorium, restaurant and shop, as well as a documentation and archive centre.
