At 42 Avenue des Gobelins in Paris, the Manufacture des Gobelins is a historic tapestry workshop and museum. The manufactory has supplied French monarchs since the time of Louis XIV and still produces tapestries for the French government. Inside, you can see historic and contemporary works, with intricate weaving and vivid colour to look for in both. Special exhibitions can add another layer to a visit, including displays of royal robes and regalia. Wednesday guided tours cover traditional weaving techniques.
A royal tapestry workshop
The Gobelins family supplied French monarchs with tapestries from the reign of Louis XIV. The manufactory remains active today, producing a small number of tapestries for the French government. Its role combines making new works with caring for historic pieces held by the state.
A visit brings together this working tradition and the museum’s displays. The collection includes older tapestries as well as more recent works, so you can compare different generations of weaving.
Exhibitions and close looking
Special exhibitions can include objects beyond tapestries. One exhibition traced the story from the death of Louis XVIII to the coronation of Charles X, presenting the monarch’s robes and regalia. These items had not been shown publicly for 200 years.
Take time with the woven surfaces: fine detail and colour stand out in both old and contemporary pieces. The collection also includes designs by artists such as Louise Bourgeois. Wednesday tours explain traditional weaving methods dating to the 17th century.
Perguntas frequentes
What is the Manufacture des Gobelins?
It is a historic tapestry manufactory and museum in Paris. The workshop still makes a small number of tapestries for the French government.
Are guided tours available?
Wednesday guided tours cover traditional weaving techniques dating to the 17th century.
What can you see at the museum?
Displays include historic and contemporary tapestries, and special exhibitions may present objects such as royal robes and regalia.
