The Maison des Canuts museum is located in Lyon, in the Rhône, in the 4th arrondissement.
The establishment is dedicated to workers specializing in silk work, an emblematic economic activity in the Croix-Rousse district.
The museum was created in 1970 by the Cooptiss cooperative founded ten years earlier by weavers. Its vocation is then to highlight the scientific and industrial heritage linked to this traditional and historical activity of the city. At the time, this tradition was all the more honored as two local companies carried out the identical "reweaving" of the fabrics of the King's bedroom in Versailles.
In 2004, the city of Lyon bought out the collections and a public company acquired the "walls" of the Maison des Canuts. Then, a project was initiated to restore the looms, and after expansion and redevelopment, the museum reopened its doors in 2009.
From 2014, a new scenography was put in place.
The establishment offers guided tours with a demonstration of weaving on a Jacquard hand loom. The history of Lyon silk industry since 1536 is evoked on this occasion. Throughout the rooms, the visitor discovers in particular the origins of silk, from its discovery in China through the cycle of the silkworm, the daily life of " canuts", these workers specialized in this sector, and the revolts of this corporation which was often a pioneer in terms of social movements.
Thematic tours, guided tours and temporary exhibitions are offered.
Open Tuesday to Saturday. Price: 6 to 9 euros. Information on +33 4 78 28 62 04.
