The Manufacture des Gobelins: go behind the scenes of Mobilier National's know-how

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Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Photos by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Published on January 30, 2025 at 10:44 a.m.
Heir to centuries-old expertise, the Manufacture des Gobelins perpetuates the art of tapestry and exceptional furniture in the heart of Paris. Between tradition and contemporary creation, this place steeped in history can be visited to admire the craftsmen at work and discover the treasures of the Mobilier National.

On the banks of the Bièvre, now buried beneath the cobblestones, lies a centuries-old French institution, the Manufacture des Gobelins, renowned for its one-of-a-kind tapestries. Since the 15th century, when Jehan Gobelin set up a dyeing workshop famous for its scarlet red, this location has kept the craftsmen's know-how alive.

In 1602, Henri IV transformed the building, which housed tapestry workshops run by two Flemings, Marc de Comans and François de la Planche, to limit imports.

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60 years later, they were bought by Colbert, who created the"Manufacture Royale des meubles et des tapisseries de la Couronne"(Royal Manufactory of Furniture and Tapestries for the Crown), where not only upholsterers, but also painters, goldsmiths, engravers and cabinetmakers set up shop... For over 30 years, furniture and components for the Royal Houses and diplomatic presents were produced here.

Today, theEnclos des Gobelins, classified as a Historic Monument, has been part of Mobilier National since 1937, whose headquarters are just around the corner in the Bâtiment Perret, built in reinforced concrete around a courtyard of honor enclosed by a colonnade, on the former site of the Gobelins gardens.

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Every year, six or seven loom drop-offstake place in this historic site, allowing visitors to discover pieces and true works of art made on the fifteen or so vertical looms known as " haute lice". The Manufacture des Gobelins is a veritable reservoir of talent, particularly in its seven restoration workshops, and can be visited three days a week with guides.

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In addition to the temporary exhibitions in the Galerie des Gobelins, which can be viewed all year round depending on the program, you'll have the opportunity to spend an hour and a half behind the scenes of these workshops, and discover the lyer's craft in action, during the various stages of this meticulous work. Handling spindles, combs and tracing paper, mastering knots - these are just some of the secrets you'll be able to observe.

Across the street, we were also able to visit the furniture collections of the Mobilier National, where a real treasure of the Nation is hidden, accessible especially during the Heritage Days.

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In this building, you'll find an immense repository of furniture, where hundreds of armchairs, chairs, tables and desks from many eras mingle to the delight of our eyes, which no longer know where to rest. Some, like former presidents' desks or chairs designed for the BnF Richelieu, have already adorned the rooms of French buildings, palaces and museums, while others are waiting to find their place, but none of them are left to gather dust in this warehouse for very long.

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From design to upholstery and restoration, the Mobilier National, heir to the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne, continues to bring the skills of its craftsmen to life, thanks in particular to theAtelier de Recherche et de Création, which continues to enrich the collections year after year.

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Charge 8 euros to discover the current exhibition at the Galerie des Gobelins, and 17.50 euros to enjoy a guided tour of the Manufacture's backstage area, booked in advance, on Wednesdays at 1 and 3 pm for individuals, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at an additional cost for groups. To get there, take line 7 and get off at the station of the same name, or lines 5 and 6 at Place d'Italie.

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Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
Starts February 11, 2025

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    42 Avenue des Gobelins
    75013 Paris 13

    Route planner

    Accessibility info

    Prices
    €17.5

    Official website
    www.mobiliernational.culture.gouv.fr

    Booking
    exploreparis.com

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