The museum has been around since 1975 and is located in an old textile factory right in the centre of Prato, within the city walls. There was a wool workshop on this very spot back in 1326. Talk about history!
The museum itself is huge – 2,400 square meters! According to their website, the collection includes over 6,000 textile samples from all over the world. We didn’t see that many, so it’s likely some are in storage. But honestly, even the stuff on display left us amazed.
What’s in the collection?
Opulent designs fit for royalty. How many hands and hours went into crafting this masterpiece?
Artistry in every stitch – an embroidered cap and delicate artefacts that reflect the finesse of historic craftsmanship.
European fabrics (13th–20th centuries): Think velvet, brocade, damask (that shiny floral pattern on a matte background), Perugia-style linens (white with blue stripes and patterns), and more.
Italian and European embroidery (15th–20th centuries): Gorgeous needlework through the centuries.
Design sketches and artistic textiles: Including pieces by modern artists and early 20th-century creators like Gio Pomodoro, the younger brother of Arnaldo Pomodoro, the guy behind those famous “Spheres” sculptures in the Vatican and other cities.
Clothing and accessories: From 16th-century outfits to modern-day costumes made for films.
Textile equipment: Old-school handlooms and weaving tools that show how it was all done.
The fabrics, lace, and buttons are stunning, and the dresses? Absolutely mesmerizing. Plus, we learned a ton about textile technologies. I even got to feel raw hemp and viscose for the first time – they’re surprisingly soft and lovely to touch.
I’d totally recommend this museum to anyone into textiles, fashion, or crafts. It’s definitely niche, though, so it might not be everyone’s thing. There’s a small gift shop at the entrance with books, souvenirs, and handmade items. Sadly, no museum postcards – I checked.
Keep in mind, that the museum is closed on Mondays. For the most up-to-date opening hours, it’s best to check the Museo del Tessuto website before planning your visit.
How to get there (and find the entrance)
Entry to the museum is through the Lazzerini Library.
The old textile factory turned museum. Looks peaceful, doesn’t it?
Getting here is a breeze. A regional train from Florence takes just 20 minutes, and it’s a five-minute walk from Prato’s train station to the museum.
Finding the entrance, though, was a bit tricky – you actually have to go into the Lazzerini library first, and from there, you’ll find the museum. The library courtyard is lively, with lots of students hanging around, and there’s even a cute café set up in an old bus.
