The Cité de la dentelle et de la mode is a Calais museum dedicated to the fashion and tradition of the lace weaving industry in the Calais area. Inaugurated in 2009, it is located inside an old weaving factory, founded at the end of the 19th century and remained in business until 2000. The museum itinerary is divided into several sections. The first part is dedicated to the history of lace with the practice of the spindle and needle, practiced in the area since the 16th century. The second section deals with the history of mechanical lace, born during the nineteenth century, also showing the process of making it through machines in operation regularly used for demonstrations to the public. The manufacturing process is explained up to the commercialization. Finally, a last section is dedicated to the use of lace in contemporary fashion.
There is also a large space dedicated to temporary exhibitions, in particular dedicated to fashion.
