Maison des Canuts, Silk weaving museum in Croix-Rousse district, Lyon, France
The Maison des Canuts is a museum in the Croix-Rousse area dedicated to silk weaving and displays a working Jacquard loom, traditional tools, and colorful silk threads. The exhibition spaces and workshop areas allow visitors to understand the different stages of the weaving process.
The museum was founded in 1970 to preserve the history of silk workers who shaped Lyon's economic development starting in the 16th century. These workers created a thriving industry that transformed the city and left a lasting impact on its architecture and social structures.
The name "Canuts" refers to the silk workers who once shaped this neighborhood, and their craft remains alive in the workshops today. Visitors can watch artisans work at the looms and apply traditional techniques passed down through generations.
The museum is located on Rue d'Ivry and has morning and afternoon hours on weekdays, with continuous opening on Saturdays. Visitors should note that the best time to see the looms in operation is during morning visiting hours when the artisans are actively working.
The museum distributes silk cocoons to young visitors at the end of each guided tour, giving them a direct connection to the origins of silk production. This hands-on gesture helps children understand the journey from raw material to finished cloth.
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