Musée du peigne et de la plasturgie d'Oyonnax, museum in France
The musée du peigne et de la plasturgie d'Oyonnax is a museum dedicated to the history of comb making and plastic production in this French town. Housed in a former factory building, it holds more than 16,000 objects including combs, jewelry, toys, eyeglasses, and designer pieces that span different eras and techniques.
The collection traces back to 1928 when local artist Marie-Léon Arbez-Carme began gathering celluloid pieces. This craft tradition evolved throughout the 20th century from traditional comb making to modern plastic manufacturing, transforming Oyonnax into a major production hub for these materials.
The museum's name reflects two crafts that shaped daily life in Oyonnax: comb making and plastic production. Visitors can observe how these industries became woven into local identity and how people relied on these objects in their everyday routines.
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday afternoons and features a wheelchair-accessible entrance for visitors with mobility needs. Parking is available nearby, and a small shop sells handmade jewelry and souvenirs while workshops for children are offered during school holidays.
The museum displays 32 dresses and accessories by renowned designer Paco Rabanne, showcasing how plastic revolutionized high fashion design. A reconstructed workshop from around 1900 shows how artisans hand-shaped and decorated combs, offering a glimpse into techniques that vanished with modern manufacturing.
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