Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode
See more images
Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode
135 quai du Commerce - 62100 CALAIS
Openings
| Monday | 10 AM - 00PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM - 00PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM - 00PM |
| Friday | 10 AM - 00PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM - 00PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM - 00PM |
Between adventure and secrets…
The Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode is a major Calais site, labeled “Musée de France”, located in the heart of the Calais Sud district, the former Saint Pierre before the merger of 1885 with Calais. Designed for novices, the initiated or simply lovers of “beauty”, the collections are established in a former collective factory, typical of the Calais lace industry of the late XNUMXth century. In these factories, several lace manufacturing companies could coexist, but trying to keep its secrets out of sight of its neighbors… and competitors!
Maurizio Galante & Tal Lancman:
Haute Couture, Design, Art
From June 13, 2026, discover the creative universe of Maurizio Galante & Tal Lancman, between Haute Couture, design and art, through clothing, objects and sculptural works that awaken the senses and the imagination.
The program
In a real lace factory
Only the façade of the Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode has a contemporary wave-shaped character...reminiscent of the sea separating France and England. Because the first machines were brought by three Englishmen, via the Channel, all by... smuggling! A real adventure, that of Calais lace, honored since 2009, the opening date of the "Cité Dentelle". This achievement makes it a place completely adapted to people with reduced mobility and, in a nod to the English smugglers who came by sea, the Cité Dentelle is served by the Calais Majest'in river shuttle.
The history of Calais-Caudry Lace
©F. Kleinefenn 
©Fred Collier Calais-Caudry lace, from the heart of Calais to world-renowned
One might have thought of the influence of Flemish handmade lace. After all, Bruges, the "Venice of the North," is only about a hundred kilometers away… But it is in Nottingham, in the North of England, that the origin of Calais lace lies.
The adventure began 210 years ago, in 1816, when workers from this town smuggled in the first machines to settle in the commune of Saint Pierre.
Throughout the 19th century, the village grew into a town, and the small-scale activity into a thriving industry. Many British subjects came to settle in Calais, especially after regular maritime transport to England was established around the same time. Many started families, put down roots in Calais, and an English tradition like Christmas pudding remains very much alive here.
Heavy machines and glamour!
From 16th century hand lace to its industrial development in 19th century Calais-Saint Pierre, the vast exhibition halls (and therefore former workshops) of the Cité take us to the modern era, to today's lace and its involvement in the world of fashion. Machines and processes are also in the spotlight: don't miss the demonstration of the impressive mechanics that are the lace looms with explanations from a former "tulliste", the name given to lace technicians.
©Fred Collier 
©Amandine Richard The manufacturing processes of Calais Lace are also used in Caudry, near Valenciennes. It is a question of machine size, we can summarize by saying that in Calais, we make lingerie and in Caudry dresses and outfits. Thus, recent brides like Kate Middleton or Amal Alamuddin (Alias Mrs. George Clooney!) have worn dresses made in Caudry under the Label "Dentelle de Calais", which changed its name in 2015 to take the name "Dentelle de Calais-Caudry".
Lace and more!
More than a museum, the Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode is a place to live with its program of temporary exhibitions, workshops for children and adults, but also its restaurant “Les petites mains” and its auditorium. Fashion and textile enthusiasts will not miss the very well-stocked documentation center specialized in this theme.
©Amandine Richard 
