Silk Museum Charlieu

The two museums of Charlieu are housed in the former Hôtel-Dieu de Charlieu hospital, built in the 18th century. One is the Hospital Museum, which displays the historical men's ward, operating theatre, treatment room, linen room and pharmacy. In 1992 the former women's ward became the Silk Museum. The town has been a centre for making high-quality silk fabrics since the 18th century. The museum includes several working textile machines for silk weaving from the 19th and 20th centuries. It also shows historical photographs and examples of costumes made from silk and fabrics designed for the fashion houses of Paris. Part of the museum is devoted to the history of the Charlieu corporation of weavers, which is now the last that is active in France. A final audiovisual gives a flavour of the textile heritage that is still alive in the area today. The shop sells locally made products.