MANUFACTURE OF TEXTILES OF PRATO AREA AND THE TEXTILE MUSEUM 

Ever since the 12th century, the city of Prato has been famous for the manufacture of textiles particularly woollen cloth, although it was only with the advent of industrialization in the mid-19th century that the area developed a

real system of industrial production.

Prato textile district is now famous for specially designed textiles which it supplies to a wide range of markets.

The Textile Museum of Prato is one of the most important centres in Italy for the study, enhancement and exhibition of textile heritage.

It is housed in the Cimatoria Campolmi & C, an extraordinary example of industrial architecture of the XIX and XX century, near the city centre.

The Museum is the symbol of the Prato textile manufacturing story and also houses the city library.

The Museum exhibits a collection of textiles fragments with examples from ancient Peru (pre-Columbian), Egypt (Coptic fabrics), as well as from Italy, Europe, Middle and Far East, India, China, Japan etc., dating from XIV to XX centuries.

Very interesting are also the sections dedicated to local production, whose origin goes back to the Middle Age.

The Museum organizes temporary exhibitions, guided tours and activities such as practical workshops for adults and families.