The Textile Museum (Textilmuseum) of St Gallen was founded in 1878. At the time, it was established with the purpose of cultivating good design aesthetics in the ever-developing textile industry in Switzerland. The exhibitions and collections are dedicated to the country’s long-standing textile tradition. Whilst the museum highlights all branches and regions of Swiss textile production, its main specialisation is on embroidery and lace. The unique collections narrate the rich history of textile production through the centuries.

The vast collection is composed of historical embroideries from the 14th century onwards, handmade lace, ethnological textiles, historical fabrics and costumes, needlework utensils, and contemporary textile art objects. The hand embroideries and fabric prints portray the development of the textile industry in Eastern Switzerland. Witness the fine craftsmanship, intricate details and changing tastes as the museum takes its visitors on a journey through textile design.