At the end of the 19th century, there were still 145 mills in the city. Most of them have now disappeared and made way for housing in particular. Fortunately, some have been preserved. The TextielMuseum, housed in a former mill, brings the history of the textile industry to life. Schoolchildren learn about the developments in the Tilburg textile industry on a guided tour through the museum and by carrying out various assignments. They see how woollen blankets used to be made. The working steam engine demonstrates how the machinery in the factory used to be driven. In the workshop, the children start working and learn basic weaving techniques.
First, weaving is explained to the whole class. The class is then divided into two groups. The first group is given a guided tour of the Woollen Blanket Factory, while the second group makes a weave card in the TextielStudio under the supervision of their own teacher and accompanying parents. After 45 minutes, the two groups switch.
Discover textiles
For most children, a trip to the TextielMuseum is the first time they are introduced to the past, present and future of textile. They find out how textile forms part of their daily lives and discover all its possibilities. In the TextielLab, weaving, knitting, embroidering, tufting, laser-cutting and passementerie production techniques are demonstrated using modern computer-operated machines that transform all sorts of yarn into textile objects and artwork.
Practical information
Costs
The costs are listed per programme. Admission is free for all primary school children, teachers and accompanying parents.
Booking
To book a school excursion, fill in the booking request form. Museum excursions must be booked at least two weeks in advance.
If you wish to book for several classes at the same time, it is a good idea to make the necessary arrangements earlier because of the limited amount of space.
Terms and conditions for school excursions
Visiting a museum with young children demands a great deal from accompanying adults. Keeping a class of schoolchildren ‘under control’ usually requires several accompanying adults. The number of adults that the museum expects to accompany school excursions is listed per programme. For this reason, admission is free for all accompanying adults.
Read here the other museum rules that apply to groups of schoolchildren and students.
