The Musée de la Toile de Jouy, a journey into the world of cotton printing

Follow us as we discover the cultural nuggets ofthe Paris region. Today's topic? The Musée de la Toile de Jouy, nestled in the charming town of Jouy-en-Josas (78). Created in 1977 to perpetuate Oberkampf's work, the museum is entirely dedicated to toile de Jouy, the famous cotton fabric printed with floral and character motifs. The institution has been housed in the Château de l'Églantine since 1991.

The Musée de la Toile de Jouy offers a true immersion into the heart of production at the Manufacture Oberkampf (1760-1843). This factory revolutionized the Frenchtextile industry by introducing innovative techniques for the production of printed cotton fabrics. It quickly became a benchmark for quality and creativity, with its elegant, brightly-colored designs seducing the most prestigious customers, from the royal court of Versailles to the Parisian Maisons de Haute Couture. A visit to the museum begins with a stroll through the Oberkampf family's inspired interiors, where furnishings are adorned with the precious printed fabrics.

This is followed by a dozen or so areas showcasing one-of-a-kind fashion and decor pieces, in a veritable creative journey from the time of 18th-century makers to today's designers. And yes! Even today, toile de Jouy is used in the collections of major brands such as Dior and Chloé.

This educational trail also reveals the manufacturing process behind the iconic fabric, thanks to a number of tools on display, videos and schematic explanations lining certain walls.

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But the museum is much more than a place to preserve and contemplate the fabric! It's also the venue forexhibitions by contemporary artists inspired by the toile de Jouy and its poetic universe, as well as a meeting place for enthusiasts interested in lectures and creative workshops.

On your way out of the Château, don't miss the boutique, brimming with colorful souvenirs: cushion covers, shoes, kits, aprons, home decor, baby clothes...

If you're planning a trip to the Musée de la Toile de Jouy, why not take advantage of the opportunity to go on a pleasant trail walk, such as the Aqueduc de Buc trail, which stops off at the Château de l'Églantine!