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Maison des Canuts

About

The Maison des Canuts in Lyon is a museum dedicated to the city’s silk-weaving heritage and the lives of the canuts, the skilled workers who shaped Lyon’s reputation as Europe’s silk capital. Located in the Croix-Rousse district, once the heart of the weaving industry, the museum offers visitors a vivid insight into centuries of craftsmanship and social history. Demonstrations of traditional looms reveal the complexity of weaving techniques, while exhibits trace the evolution of silk production from the Renaissance to modern times. The Maison also highlights the struggles and revolts of the canuts in the 19th century, reflecting their fight for fair working conditions and dignity. Today, it stands as both a cultural and educational site, preserving Lyon’s textile legacy while celebrating the artistry that continues to inspire fashion and design worldwide.

Lyon France

Location

The Maison des Canuts is located at 10-12 Rue d'Ivry in Lyon’s Croix-Rousse district (4th arrondissement), an area historically known for its silk weavers. This museum and workshop vividly explore over five centuries of Lyon’s silk industry, showcasing the art of weaving with live demonstrations on Jacquard looms. It highlights the technical, cultural, and social history of the Canuts, the skilled silk workers who contributed significantly to Lyon’s identity. Nearby, visitors can explore the vibrant Croix-Rousse neighborhood, known for its distinctive architecture, street art, lively markets, and traboules (hidden passageways). The museum is well connected by the Metro C line at Croix-Rousse station and multiple bus routes, making it easily accessible while immersed in a lively, historically rich urban setting.

Maison des Canuts

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