BRUSSELS MUSEUM OF LACE &
COSTUMES - LACE BRUSSELS
Belgium
is famous for its tapestries and lace-making. In the
Musee des Costumes et Dentelles shows off
richly embroidered ecclesiastic fabrics and chausables
and also examples of the delicate Brussels laces including
one skirt which belonged to Empress Eugenie. Centrally
located close to the Grand Place, on Rue de la Violette,
this museum displays gorgeous antique and modern lace
on three floors.
The display cases let you see how the famous
Brussels lace has changed over the years.
The Museum is not confined to laces from Brussels
though these do dominate but there are also old laces
from France and other countries.
If you're lucky you may see demonstrations
of making lace as thre are regular displays. There
is also a gift shop with examples of lace and you
can even buy lacemaking materials and practice this
art yourself.
You’ll see the somber dark/black dresses women
wore en promenade (out walking) and the very colorful
lace gowns for ladies en visite (visiting).
Make sure to see the antique underwear. Unfortunately
the displays are annotated in Flemish and French only–
but this could be a great chance to test your French
or Flemish comprehensive skills.
Belgium
is famous for its tapestries and lace-making. In the
Musee des Costumes et Dentelles shows off
richly embroidered ecclesiastic fabrics and chausables
and also examples of the delicate Brussels laces including
one skirt which belonged to Empress Eugenie. Centrally
located close to the Grand Place, on Rue de la Violette,
this museum displays gorgeous antique and modern lace
on three floors.
