Musée de l'impression sur étoffes

The Musée de l'impression sur étoffes is a museum dedicated to textile printing located in Mulhouse, housing one of the world's largest collections of printed fabric samples and patterns spanning multiple centuries. The galleries display original cloths, color samples, and historic printing machinery side by side, revealing how production techniques changed over time.

The museum was established in 1857 when local textile manufacturers decided to preserve their fabric designs and production records. This initial collection grew into one of the world's most significant archives for documenting printing innovation and fabric design.

The collection reflects the design choices and production methods that made Alsatian textiles known across Europe during the industrial era. Walking through the galleries, you notice how each printed fabric tells the story of what people wanted to wear and use during different periods.

The building is located in the city center and easy to navigate, with good space for exploring the various galleries at your own pace. Plan to visit in the morning or early afternoon when crowds are lighter and you can examine the displays more closely.

The collection includes thousands of patterns from different continents, showing how regional styles and trade routes shaped textile design across cultures. Many visitors overlook that some designs were directly inspired by artists from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, revealing early forms of cultural exchange through commerce.

Location: Mulhouse

Inception: 1857

Architects: Frédéric-Louis de Rutté

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-12:00, 14:00-18:00

Phone: +33389468300

Website: http://musee-impression.com

GPS coordinates: 47.74510,7.34460

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:25