Did you know about the importance of Belgian linen and flax industry? In the 1960s, flax was the most important economic activity in West Flanders. Bert Dewilde started a private collection of tools used in the industry after he recognised that the sector was going through a crisis threatening this important regional heritage. In 1982, his collection became – thanks to many volunteers, sponsors and schools – the National Flax Museum. By including Joseph de Bethune’s textile collection, it evolved into the Lace and Linen Museum showcasing finished flax products. It finally became Texture in 2009 under Lies Buyse.

Since 2014, Texture has been housed in Kortrijk in a historic 1912 dispatch centre which used to ship linen thread internationally. The collection is spread across three floors: be ready for surprises on where flax is used in every day products, learn about the history of the flax and the linen industry and discover a carefully curated selection of beautiful textiles. You can also tour the heritage of the Lys Valley through the surrounding landscape where traces of the flax industry remain.