Textile Museum St. Gallen: A Stitch in Time

The Textile Museum St. Gallen, located in the "Palazzo Rosso" since 1886, showcases the city's prominent role in the textile industry. Founded in 1878, the museum houses one of Switzerland's most important textile collections, with woven materials and embroideries from around the globe. The collections date back to the second half of the 19th century and were created to inspire industry and cultivate good taste. The museum's collection includes Egyptian burial textiles, historical embroideries dating back to the 14th century, handmade lace from major European centers, ethnographic textiles, and contemporary textile art. A highlight is the historic hand embroidery machine from around 1890, which is brought to life on selected afternoons, offering a vivid impression of the technology and skill of the past. The Textile Library within the museum holds over 2,000 sample books with textile patterns from Swiss companies, publications on lace and embroidery, and media on materials, fashion, and design. St. Gallen's textile tradition dates back to the 15th century, with the city becoming known for quality textiles. By the early 20th century, St. Gallen embroidery accounted for over 50% of the world's production. Today, St. Gallen's textiles are still sought after by leading fashion houses such as Akris, Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent. The Textile Museum offers a fascinating journey through this history, displaying precious historical exhibits and highlighting the blend of tradition and innovation that defines St. Gallen's textile industry. Visitors can also explore the Textile Trail, which leads through downtown St. Gallen and showcases magnificent buildings from the industry's heyday.