Calais lace museum

Calais Lace Museum is housed in a former factory building and demonstrates the craft techniques behind lace production. The building contains galleries showing garments, manufacturing processes, and extensive collections that illustrate how significant this industry became.

The museum building was once a factory producing lace starting in 1874, becoming a major employer during its industrial heyday. The factory closed in 2000, and the space was transformed into a museum to preserve this manufacturing heritage.

Lace production defined Calais' identity for generations and remains central to how locals see their city today. Walking through the galleries, you understand how this craft shaped the place and its people.

Visit during daytime hours when natural light helps you see the lace details clearly in the displays. Plan for one to two hours to walk through the galleries comfortably without feeling rushed.

The museum preserves some of the machines that once operated in the factory, and a few can be seen working today. These functioning devices reveal just how intricate and precise the old lace-making process actually was.

Location: Calais

Phone: +33321004230

Website: https://cite-dentelle.fr

GPS coordinates: 50.95040,1.85550

Latest update: December 23, 2025 13:10