Description
Step into the fascinating world of a renowned Lyon silk-making family that found its path at the foot of the Croix-Rousse hill in 1890.
During this guided museum tour, discover an immersive experience that connects historical heritage, traditional craftsmanship, artistic creation, technology, and innovation. Your journey begins in the workshop of the silk manufacturer, the true conductor of the silk industry. Here, collections are imagined, silk threads are selected, the silk is dyed and prepared, and the work of weavers and printers is coordinated before the fabrics are finally presented to the great fashion houses.
Over the decades, Brochier Soieries has collaborated with some of the most prestigious names in fashion, including Paul Poiret, Givenchy, Dior, Christian Lacroix, and Valentino. The workshop also created the famous “Lamé du Poète” for Yves Saint Laurent, which became one of the couturier’s iconic signatures.
The visit also highlights the remarkable dialogue between artists and silk printers. Major artists such as Marc Chagall, Alberto Giacometti, Alexander Calder, and Georges Braque had their works printed on silk starting in 1953 for the Maeght Gallery, illustrating a unique meeting of art and craftsmanship. One of the most moving testimonies of this collaboration is the letter of thanks sent by Joan Miró to Joseph Brochier, praising his “masterpiece of Lyonnais craftsmanship.”
Finally, discover how this historic expertise continues to inspire contemporary innovation. From the radome of the Concorde to atmospheric balloons sent to Venus, and even the sails of the America’s Cup, Brochier’s expertise has contributed to the development of advanced materials where silk now intertwines with optical fiber to create the textiles of tomorrow.
Highlights
Discover the history of a Lyon silk-making family since 1890
Learn how silk fabrics were created for major fashion houses
Explore the connection between fine art and silk printing
See works by Chagall, Calder, Braque, and Giacometti printed on silk
Discover innovative textiles and technological applications of silk
Practical Information
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Brochier Soieries Museum – 18 quai Jules Courmont, Lyon 2nd district
Book your guided tour and explore the fascinating story of Lyon’s silk heritage, from traditional craftsmanship to cutting-edge innovation.
