Textile Museum St. Gallen: A Stitch in Time
Explore centuries of textile artistry at St. Gallen's renowned museum, showcasing global fabrics, embroidery, and the evolution of Swiss design.
The Textile Museum St. Gallen, located in the 'Palazzo Rosso' on Vadianstrasse, is a treasure trove of textile history and innovation. Founded in 1878, the museum's collections date back to the mid-19th century, inspired by the era's enthusiasm for technical and handicraft shows. Initially, the museum served as a resource for local manufacturers, providing pattern samples and cultivating 'good taste'. The museum boasts a collection of approximately 56,000 objects, including fabrics from Egyptian burial sites, historical embroideries, handmade lace, and contemporary textile art. A highlight is the collection of hand and machine embroidery from Eastern Switzerland, documenting the region's impressive embroidery industry. The Textile Library within the museum holds over 2,000 sample books with textile patterns from Swiss companies, offering insights into the designs of the last 170 years. Today, the Textile Museum continues to inspire designers and innovators with its diverse exhibitions. Temporary exhibitions complement the permanent display on Eastern Switzerland's textile history. Visitors can also explore the Textile Trail, which extends beyond the museum walls to architectural landmarks marked with embroidered QR codes, echoing the city's golden era of textile production. The museum also hosts events and workshops, and features a shop with unique textile-related products.
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday for a less crowded experience.
- Check the museum's website for special exhibitions and workshops.
- Don't miss the museum shop for unique textile-related souvenirs.
- Consider a guided tour for deeper insights into the collections.
A brief summary to Textile Museum St. Gallen
- Vadianstrasse 2, St Gallen, 9000, CH
- +41712280010
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Walking
The Textile Museum is located close to the historical city center and Abbey district, just a few minutes walk from the St. Gallen train station. From the train station, walk south towards the city center. Vadianstrasse is a main street easily accessible from the station. The museum, known as the 'Palazzo Rosso' for its red brick facade, is located at Vadianstrasse 2. Walking from the train station takes approximately 10 minutes.
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Public Transport
St. Gallen boasts an excellent public transport network. From the St. Gallen train station, several bus lines will take you close to the Textile Museum. Check the local VBSG (Verkehrsbetriebe St. Gallen) website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single fare for a short trip within St. Gallen costs approximately CHF 2.30 - CHF 3.00. Consider purchasing a day pass if you plan to use public transport extensively.
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Parking
If arriving by car, it is recommended to use one of the city center parking garages. Chargeable parking is available at Parkhaus Oberer Graben and Einstein Parking. From either parking garage, the Textile Museum is a short 5-minute walk. Parking rates typically range from CHF 2.50 to CHF 4.00 per hour. Limited parking may be available in the courtyard of the Textile Museum.
Attractions Nearby to Textile Museum St. Gallen
Landmarks nearby to Textile Museum St. Gallen
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Schreinerstrasse 1
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Gallusplatz
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Stadt St.Gallen, Rathaus
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Vadian Denkmal
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St. Mangen Church
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Botanischer Garten
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Appenzeller Schaukäserei
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Grand Tour of Switzerland - Photo Spot Appenzell Show Dairy
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Schloss Dottenwil
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Appenzeller Volkskunde-Museum Stein
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Appenzell
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Pfeff ond Lischt Weeg
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Skulptur in Appenzell
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Romantik Hotel Säntis
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