La Manufacture

Housed in a former textile factory, the La Manufacture museum in Roubaix, officially known as La Manufacture, musée de la mémoire et de la création textile (La Manufacture – Museum of Textile Memory and Creation), provides insight into the industrial heritage of Roubaix and the significance of the textile industry.

What to see at La Manufacture

The museum features immersive exhibits that chronicle the evolution of textile production from the early days of handloom weaving to the mechanised processes of the Industrial Revolution. Through a diverse collection of artefacts, machinery and archival materials, the museum highlights the innovative techniques and skilled craftsmanship that have shaped the textile industry over the centuries.

One of the museum’s focal points is its exploration of the social and cultural impact of textile manufacturing on the local community. Exhibits delve into the lives of workers, their working conditions and the role of women and children in the textile factories. Displays give you an insight into the labour struggles, social reforms and cultural shifts that accompanied the rise of the textile industry in Roubaix.

In addition to its historical exhibits, La Manufacture celebrates contemporary textile art and design. The museum showcases works by local and international artists, featuring a diverse range of artistic styles from traditional weaving techniques to avant-garde textile installations.

Visiting La Manufacture

La Manufacture is in Roubaix in Lille’s suburbs, around 12km northeast of the centre of Lille. There is not a lot else to see in the immediate vicinity, although there is an outlet centre near the Eurotéléport metro station, although that is around a 20-minute walk from the museum. La Piscine is the other main attraction in Roubaix but that is over 2.5km from La Manufacture.

To get here, take the metro to Eurotéléport, then take the L3 bus four stops (to the Fraternité stop) and then walk one minute up avenue Julien Lagache.

The museum is open during the afternoon only between Tuesday and Sunday, with guided tours running at 2.30pm and 4pm. It is closed on Mondays.

Guided tours are in French only but they’re still recommended as the tour guides will demonstrate the machinery. Allow an hour for the guided tour.

The other, slightly cheaper, option is a self-guided video tour using an app on your phone (or one of the museum’s tablets). Allow around half an hour for the self-guided video tour, which is in French with English subtitles.

Admission is reasonably priced and there are discounted offers combining entry with other museums nearby, such as La Piscine or Villa Cavrois. Entry is free of charge with either la C’ART or the Lille City Pass.

Visitor facilities include an excellent gift shop selling haberdashery goods and textile products.

Allow 1–2 hours for your visit.

29, avenue Julien Lagache, 59100 Roubaix
Metro Eurotéléport (line 3) Tram R (stop: Eurotéléport) Bus CIT5, L3, Z6 (stop: Fraternité)
Website lamanufacture-roubaix.com
Admission with guided tour €6, children (aged 8–18) €4, children (under 8) free, free with la C’ART, free with the Lille City Pass
Admission without guided tour €4
Open Tue–Sun 2pm–6pm