Ribbon Museum of Comines
A museum wrapped in ribbon
The mission of Comines’ Ribbon Museum is to pass on a precious know-how and share an age-old tradition, but above all to weave ribbon before your very eyes! With weaving looms in operation, dancing shuttles, cadenced by manual or mechanical impulses. For a unique experience!
Do you say ‘canette’ or ‘épeule’ ?
The choice is yours. It is a ‘canette’ (quill) if you are a fan of the French language. Or an ‘épeule’ if you prefer the colourful Picard dialect. Both slip into a shuttle, unwind their weft thread, which crosses the warp threads, thus tirelessly weaving long ribbons. This marvellous feat of engineering will not fail to amaze you.
The Marmouset, faithful companion of the Bleu Vinte
The Marmouset is a young, sometimes mischievous apprentice who helps his master ribbon maker, the Bleu Vinte, by doing odd jobs. His goal is of course to master the techniques of the trade one day. And if possible, to surpass his elder! Bleu Vinte is another delightful dialect word describing the ribbon maker of yesteryear wearing a blue smock with a large front pocket. It comes from ‘ventre bleu’ or blue belly.
Innovative Tissoutiers
Tissoutier, on the other hand, was once used to describe weavers and ribbon makers. Exactly what Philippe Hovyn’s, or Joseph-Marie Jacquard’s companions were called. An important factor of progress in the textile industry, innovation was often the result of circumstances and of challenges to be taken up. Philippe Hovyn and Joseph-Marie Jacquard can be considered as innovative figures.
Antoine and the master ribbon maker
One zip … and zzziiiippp, young and old embark for a timeless world where young Antoine meets his beloved grandfather again, so proud of his trade as a ribbon-maker. With him, you will discover all the tricks of the trade. A journey of initiation where passion rhymes with transmission! A journey that ends in the 21st century, where millions of metres of ribbon are still woven every year in Comines-Warneton.
Local folklore wrapped in ribbon
The Marmousets and the Bleu Vintes have skilfully blended ancestral traditions with a sense of festivity.
These efforts have resulted in a series of original and lively festive events.
Luc and Simon, our friendly ribbon-making giants, wonderfully embody the textile industry so dear to the people of Comines, and they invite you to join in the festivities.
Visitor info
Opening hours
- Ouverture toute l'année du mardi au vendredi, sauf congés légaux
From 1 May until 31 October
- Tuesday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
- Guided tour at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- Saturday: guided tour at 2:30 p.m.
- Sunday: guided tour at 10:30 a.m.
From 1 November until 30 April
- Tuesday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
- Guided tour at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- 1st Sunday of the month: guided tour at 10:30 a.m.
Rates
- Adults: 7 €
- Seniors from 65 years: 5 €
- PRM: 5 €
- Group (more than 10 pers.): 5 €
- Children under 12 years/ student/teacher: 5 €
- Children under 6 years/ press/ guide: free
- Free entry on the first Sunday of every month
Address and contact
- Rue des Arts, 3 • 7780 Comines
- +32(0)56 58 77 68
- info@larubanerie.be
- www.larubanerie.be
