Lyon: admission ticket to Brochier Soieries Silk Museum

If you’re wandering through Lyon and have even a passing interest in textiles, fashion, or innovation, this museum is worth considering. It offers a focused look at 130 years of a Lyon-based family’s dedication to silk, blending tradition with cutting-edge textile tech. While it’s a small space, it packs in plenty of stories, from haute couture collaborations to technical textiles used in aeronautics.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines a glimpse into luxury fashion—think dresses by Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent—with the more scientific side of textiles, like silk used in space exploration or rainforest canopies. Plus, the location inside the Grand Hotel Dieu makes the visit feel like a part of Lyon’s historic fabric itself.

That said, one potential downside is the museum’s size and content—some reviewers found it a bit short and not very extensive. If you’re expecting a sprawling museum with lots of hands-on displays, this might feel more like a curated showcase than a comprehensive guide to all things silk.

This visit is ideal for travelers who appreciate fashion, craftsmanship, or innovation in textiles, and those curious about Lyon’s historic role in silk-making. It’s perfect as a short cultural stop, offering both visual inspiration and an understanding of how traditional silk craft has evolved into high-tech textiles.

Key Points

• Heritage and Innovation: The museum showcases four generations of the Brochier family and their pioneering spirit in traditional and technical textiles.
• High Fashion Connection: You’ll see fabrics used in collections by legendary designers like Givenchy, Lacroix, Valentino, and Saint Laurent.
• Artistic Collaborations: The museum features textile designs by major 20th-century artists like Miró, Calder, and Cocteau.
• Technological Advances: Discover how silk textiles are now woven with optical fibers and used in fields like aeronautics and healthcare.
• Location & Accessibility: Situated in the historic Grand Hotel Dieu, accessible from the Rhone quays and wheelchair-friendly.
• Affordable Culture: The ticket price ($9) offers a focused, quality experience without breaking the bank.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Museum’s Highlights

The Heritage of Brochier Soieries

Starting outside on the quays of the Rhone, the museum’s outside location hints at the connection between Lyon’s past and its current cultural scene. Once inside, you’re greeted with a compact but well-curated space that traces more than a century of silk craftsmanship by the Brochier family. The story unfolds through displays of fabrics woven and printed for haute couture, as well as collaborations with top designers and contemporary artists.

Many visitors, like one from New Zealand, praised the “wonderful and full history” of the family’s endeavors, emphasizing the innovative spirit that has kept the business thriving through generations. The blend of traditional craftsmanship and inventive textiles offers a fascinating view of how fashion and textile manufacturing can evolve without losing their roots.

Haute Couture and Artistic Influences

One of the museum’s major draws is the collection of haute couture gowns made from fabrics developed by Brochier Soieries. Visitors can marvel at pieces from fashion legends, including Hubert de Givenchy and Christian Lacroix, created with fabrics from Lyon’s famous silk house. These gowns, displayed alongside textile designs by Miró, Calder, and Cocteau, underline the close ties between art, fashion, and textile design.

Reviewers consistently mention how these examples of fashion craftsmanship highlight Lyon’s role as a global center for silk and textile innovation. The visual impact of these gowns and artworks makes the visit inspiring, especially for those with an eye for design.

Technical Textiles & Future-Focused Innovations

Beyond the glamour, the museum shines in its display of technical textiles—silk woven with optical fibers and used in aeronautics, healthcare, and even rainforest canopies. For instance, the Brochier family’s pioneering work includes adapting the Jacquard loom for advanced industrial textiles, like space mission components or rainproof fabrics.

This aspect is particularly interesting because it shows how traditional textiles can serve cutting-edge fields. It’s a reminder that Lyon’s silk industry isn’t just about luxury; it’s also about technological progress and practical applications.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Museum Shop and Local Craftsmanship

Finish your visit with a stroll through the museum shop, which offers hand-painted silk and velvet squares, all made in Lyon. These make excellent souvenirs or gifts, and the label Fabriqué à Lyon assures authentic quality. Visitors often mention the charm of browsing these beautiful, small silk accessories as a way to take a piece of Lyon’s textile tradition home.

Practical Details & Visitor Experience

The museum is located just five minutes from Place Bellecour, making it easy to include in a day of exploring Lyon. The entrance is outside the building, near the Wilson bridge, and is wheelchair accessible, which is thoughtful for visitors with mobility needs.

The ticket price, at just $9, feels reasonable considering the quality of the exhibits and the insight provided. The visit takes about an hour, making it a perfect brief cultural pit stop without feeling rushed or overwhelming.

Many reviewers, like one from the U.S., appreciated that it was a “good respite from the heat,” noting the displays were “well presented” and the experience was pleasant overall. Others, however, pointed out that the space is small and the content fairly brief, so it might not satisfy those looking for a deep, immersive experience.

What You Should Know Before Visiting

• The entrance is outside the main building, on the riverside, so don’t expect a large lobby. Check the access plan or photos beforehand.
• Food and drinks are not permitted inside, so plan accordingly.
• The museum is focused on textile history, fashion, and innovation, so don’t expect to see silk worms or live processing demonstrations.
• The tour is available in multiple languages, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—flexibility that’s nice for casual travelers.

Who is This Museum Best For?

If you’re drawn to fashion, textiles, or innovation, this is a compact but insightful visit. It’s especially appealing if you appreciate seeing how a family business has adapted over four generations to both traditional and modern needs. It’s also a good choice for those interested in artistic collaborations or technical textiles used in industries beyond fashion.

Travelers with limited time in Lyon will appreciate how this museum offers a glimpse into both heritage and cutting-edge textile technology without requiring a full day commitment. It’s suitable for those who enjoy visual displays and stories of craftsmanship, but might leave avid museum-goers wanting more detail or interactivity.

FAQ

• How long does the visit take?
  About an hour, which makes it perfect for a quick cultural break during your Lyon sightseeing.

• Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
  Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible, and the entrance is outside near the Wilson bridge.

• What’s included in the ticket price?
  Your admission to the museum itself. The ticket is quite affordable at $9.

• Are there guided tours available?
  The information doesn’t specify guided tours, but the museum’s displays and exhibits are self-guided.

• Can I buy silk accessories in the shop?
  Yes, the shop offers a wide range of hand-painted silk and velvet squares made in Lyon, which are authentic and high-quality.

• Is the location easy to find?
  Yes, it’s just five minutes from Place Bellecour, and the entrance is outside the Grand Hotel Dieu, near the Rhone quays.

• Can I cancel my booking?
  Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your visit for a full refund, adding flexibility to your plans.

Final Thoughts

This museum offers a focused, well-curated look at Lyon’s long history as a silk capital, blending stories of luxury fashion with technological breakthroughs. It’s a small space, but packed with visual inspiration and fascinating insights into family tradition, art, and innovation.

It’s a solid choice for fashion lovers, history buffs, or anyone curious about how a textile business can stay relevant for over a century. The modest price makes it accessible, and its central location means you can easily combine it with other sights in Lyon.

If you’re after a quick, meaningful peek into Lyon’s silk legacy that balances context with style, this museum is a worthwhile stop—and a good example of Lyon’s broader reputation for craftsmanship and innovation in textiles.

Happy exploring!

You can check availability for your dates here: