Museo del Tessile
Museum | Busto Arsizio | Lombardia | Italy
The "Museo del Tessile e della Tradizione Industriale" in Busto Arsizio, Lombardy, is a significant museum dedicated to the history of the textile industry and industrial tradition of the region. It was founded on January 30, 1997, and has since been committed to collecting, preserving, and valuing objects, machines, products, and documents related to the local textile industry and other areas of industrial tradition in Busto Arsizio.
The museum is located in a historic building that was once used as a spinning mill of Cotonificio Carlo Ottolini, later known as Bustese. This building represents an outstanding example of the city's industrial culture and has been carefully restored to preserve its original features.
The museum's exhibitions span three floors and follow the various phases of textile processing. On the ground floor, numerous 19th-century machines used for spinning and weaving are on display. Special attention is given to the early systems for preventing work accidents, such as 19th-century fire extinguishers.
The first floor focuses on the history of Jacquard manufacturing, starting from the original machines to modern computers. An interactive area, the "Room of Experiences," allows visitors to touch various stages of cotton preparation and experience the packaging and delivery process of products.
The second floor is dedicated to the processes of dyeing and printing fabrics. Here, many finished products are exhibited, from specialized outfits to new synthetic fibers. A special highlight is the presentation of Schirpa, the traditional bridal fabric of brides from Alto Milanese, which uses local fabrics.
The museum also offers temporary exhibitions, cultural events, and workshops that expand knowledge about the textile industry and its history. It is a valuable place for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the region's industrial development and the importance of the textile industry in the history of Busto Arsizio.
