Museo Textil de Oaxaca

History of the museum:

The Museo Textil de Oaxaca (MTO) is a textile museum located in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico. It was founded in 1978 by the Mexican government and is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Mexican textiles.

Collection of textiles:

The MTO has a collection of over 10,000 textiles, including pre-Columbian, colonial, and contemporary textiles from all over Mexico. The collection also includes international textiles from countries such as Guatemala, Peru, and India.

Textile workshops:

The MTO offers a variety of textile workshops, where visitors can learn about the different techniques used to make Mexican textiles. Workshops are taught by experienced artisans and are open to people of all ages and skill levels.

Temporary exhibitions:

The MTO also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, which showcase the work of contemporary textile artists from Mexico and around the world. Past exhibitions have featured the work of artists such as Francisco Toledo, Graciela Iturbide, and Frida Kahlo.

Location

The Museo Textil de Oaxaca is located at Calle Macedonio Alcalá 907, in the historic center of Oaxaca City. The museum is situated in the heart of Oaxaca's textile district, surrounded by shops, workshops, and galleries dedicated to textiles. The neighborhood is a vibrant and colorful area, with a lively atmosphere and a strong sense of community.

To get to the museum, you can take a taxi or bus from any point in the city. The museum is also within walking distance of many of Oaxaca's other attractions, such as the Zócalo, the Templo de Santo Domingo, and the Mercado Benito Juárez.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is 100 pesos for adults, 50 pesos for students and seniors, and free for children under

Admission

Ticket prices

General admission: 80 pesos
Students and seniors: 50 pesos
Children under 12: free

Discounts

Groups of 10 or more: 10% discount
Members of the Museo Textil de Oaxaca: free admission

Guided tours

Guided tours are available in English and Spanish for an additional fee of 50 pesos per person.
Tours must be booked in advance by calling the museum or emailing [email protected].

Photography policy

Photography is allowed in the museum, but flash photography is not permitted.
Commercial photography is not allowed without prior permission from the museum.

Exhibits

The Museo Textil de Oaxaca houses a vast and impressive collection of textiles, spanning from ancient times to the present day. Among the highlights are:

Pre-Columbian textiles: These textiles, dating back to the Zapotec and Mixtec civilizations, showcase the incredible skill and artistry of pre-Columbian weavers. Visitors can admire intricate designs, vibrant colors, and a variety of techniques, including brocades, tapestries, and embroideries.

Colonial textiles: The museum's collection of colonial textiles includes pieces from the 16th to the 19th centuries. These textiles reflect the influence of Spanish culture, as well as the continued vitality of indigenous weaving traditions. Visitors can see examples of rebozos, sarapes, and other traditional garments, as well as religious textiles such as altar cloths and vestments.

Contemporary textiles: The museum also features a collection of contemporary textiles, showcasing the work of both established and emerging Oaxacan artists. These textiles often incorporate traditional techniques and motifs, while also exploring new and innovative approaches to textile design. Visitors can see examples of contemporary clothing, home furnishings, and art textiles.

International textiles: In addition to its collection of Oaxacan textiles, the museum also houses a collection of international textiles from around the world. These textiles provide a comparative perspective on the art and craft of weaving, and allow visitors to appreciate the diversity of textile traditions from different cultures.

Textile Workshops

The Museo Textil de Oaxaca offers a variety of textile workshops for visitors of all ages and skill levels. Workshops are typically held in Spanish, but English translation is available upon request.

Types of Workshops Offered

The museum offers a variety of textile workshops, including:

Basic Weaving: Learn the basics of weaving on a backstrap loom.
Advanced Weaving: Learn more complex weaving techniques, such as double weave and ikat.
Embroidery: Learn different embroidery stitches and techniques.
Natural Dyeing: Learn how to dye textiles using natural materials, such as plants and insects.
Textile Printing: Learn how to print textiles using traditional methods, such as block printing and screen printing.
Schedule

Workshops are typically held on weekends and during the summer months. Check the museum's website for the latest schedule.

Cost

The cost of workshops varies depending on the length and complexity of the workshop. Most workshops cost between $500 and $1,000 pesos.

How to Register

To register for a workshop, contact the museum's education department at [email protected].

Temporary Exhibitions

The Museo Textil de Oaxaca regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase a wide range of textiles from around the world. These exhibitions often focus on a particular theme, such as a specific region or time period, or they may feature the work of a particular artist or designer. Past exhibitions have included "The Art of the Huipil," which featured traditional blouses from various indigenous communities in Mexico, and "Textiles of the Silk Road," which explored the history and significance of silk textiles from China to the Middle East.

Upcoming exhibitions include "Contemporary Mexican Textiles," which will showcase the work of some of Mexico's most innovative textile artists, and "Textiles of the Andes," which will feature textiles from Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. To stay informed about upcoming exhibitions, you can visit the museum's website or follow them on social media.

Shopping

The Museo Textil de Oaxaca has a well-stocked museum shop where you can purchase a variety of textiles, from traditional Oaxacan weavings to contemporary pieces by local and international artists. The shop also sells books, magazines, and other items related to textiles and Mexican culture.

Prices at the museum shop are reasonable, and there is something for every budget. You can find a small woven bag for as little as $20, or a large hand-embroidered tablecloth for several hundred dollars.

The museum shop also offers shipping, so you can have your purchases sent to your home or office anywhere in the world.

Insider tip: If you are looking for a unique souvenir from your trip to Oaxaca, the Museo Textil de Oaxaca is a great place to shop. You will find a wide selection of high-quality textiles that are sure to be treasured for years to come.

Events

Textile Festivals: The Museo Textil de Oaxaca hosts several textile festivals throughout the year, each celebrating a different aspect of Mexican textiles. These festivals feature exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations, and live music performances. Visitors can learn about the history and traditions of Mexican textiles, meet local artisans, and purchase handmade goods. Past festivals have explored themes such as Zapotec weaving, Oaxacan embroidery and natural dyeing.

Workshops: In addition to textile festivals, the museum offers a variety of workshops throughout the year. These workshops are led by local artisans and experts and cover a wide range of topics, including weaving, embroidery, dyeing, and textile design. Visitors can learn new skills and techniques, create their own textile projects, and get inspired by the creativity of the local artisans.

Lectures and Demonstrations: The museum also hosts regular lectures and demonstrations on topics related to textiles. These events are free and open to the public and feature experts sharing their knowledge and insights on various aspects of textiles. Visitors can learn about the history of textiles, the traditional techniques used to create them, and the contemporary trends in textile design.

Immersive Experiences: Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of textiles by participating in unique experiences offered by the museum. These experiences include learning how to weave on a traditional backstrap loom, creating their own natural dyes, and participating in a traditional Oaxacan dyeing workshop. These experiences are a great way to learn about the cultural significance of textiles and the traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Research Library

The Museo Textil de Oaxaca houses an extensive research library dedicated to the study of textiles and their cultural significance. The library's collection includes over 10,000 books, journals, and other publications on a wide range of topics, including textile history, design, production, and conservation. The library also houses a collection of rare and unique textiles, including pre-Columbian textiles and colonial-era garments.

The library is open to the public and is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in learning more about textiles. Visitors can access the library's collection by appointment. The library staff is also available to assist visitors with their research.

To request materials from the library, visitors can either visit the library in person or contact the library staff by email or phone. The library staff will then work with visitors to identify the materials they need and arrange for them to be made available.

The Museo Textil de Oaxaca's research library is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about textiles. The library's collection is extensive and well-maintained, and the library staff is knowledgeable and helpful. If you are interested in learning more about textiles, be sure to visit the Museo Textil de Oaxaca's research library.

Conservation Lab

The Conservation Lab at the Museo Textil de Oaxaca is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the preservation and restoration of textiles. The lab is staffed by a team of experienced conservators who use a variety of techniques to clean, repair, and stabilize textiles. The lab also conducts research on new conservation methods and materials.

Visitors to the museum can learn about the work of the conservation lab through guided tours and demonstrations. The lab is also open to researchers who wish to study the museum's collection of textiles.

How to donate textiles for conservation:

If you have any old or damaged textiles that you would like to donate to the Museo Textil de Oaxaca, please contact the museum's conservation lab. The lab accepts donations of all types of textiles, including clothing, blankets, rugs, and tapestries. The museum will use your donation to support its conservation work and to educate the public about the importance of textile conservation.

How to learn more about textile conservation:

If you are interested in learning more about textile conservation, there are a number of resources available. The Museo Textil de Oaxaca offers a variety of workshops and courses on textile conservation. You can also find information on textile conservation online and in libraries.

Educational Programs

The Museo Textil de Oaxaca offers a variety of educational programs for all ages, from school children to adults. These programs are designed to promote the appreciation of textiles and their role in Mexican culture, as well as to teach the skills and techniques of textile production.

School programs are offered to schools in the Oaxaca area, and they can be customized to fit the specific needs and interests of each group. These programs typically include a guided tour of the museum, as well as a hands-on textile workshop.

Teacher workshops are offered to teachers who are interested in incorporating textile education into their classrooms. These workshops provide teachers with the resources and knowledge they need to teach about textiles in a fun and engaging way.

Summer camps are offered to children and teens during the summer months. These camps provide a fun and educational way for children to learn about textiles and to make their own textile projects.

Online courses are offered to anyone who wants to learn about textiles from the comfort of their own home. These courses cover a variety of topics, including the history of textiles, textile production techniques, and textile conservation.

Accessibility

The Museo Textil de Oaxaca is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all visitors. The museum is wheelchair accessible, and ASL interpretation is available upon request. Audio guides and Braille signage are also available, making it easy for visitors with visual or hearing impairments to enjoy the museum's exhibits. For more information on accessibility, please visit the museum's website or contact the museum directly.

Sustainability

The Museo Textil de Oaxaca is committed to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact. The museum has installed solar panels to generate renewable energy, and it uses energy-efficient lighting and appliances throughout the building. The museum also recycles and composts waste, and it encourages visitors to do the same.

How to reduce your environmental impact when visiting the museum:

Walk, bike, or take public transportation to the museum.
Bring your own water bottle and refill it at the museum's water fountains.
Recycle and compost waste in the designated bins.
Avoid buying souvenirs made from unsustainable materials.
Support the museum's sustainability efforts by donating to the museum's endowment or becoming a member.

The Museo Textil de Oaxaca is active on social media, providing a platform for visitors to engage with the museum and its collection. Follow the museum on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on the latest news, events, and exhibitions. Share your experiences using the hashtag #MuseoTextilOaxaca to connect with other visitors and share your love of textiles.

Insider Tip

The best time to visit the Museo Textil de Oaxaca is during the annual Guelaguetza festival, held in July. During this time, the museum hosts special exhibitions and workshops, and the city is alive with music, dance, and traditional Oaxacan culture.

One hidden gem in the museum is the rooftop terrace. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. It's the perfect place to relax and take a break from exploring the museum's exhibits.

A unique experience to have at the museum is to participate in a textile workshop. These workshops are offered in a variety of techniques, from traditional weaving to modern embroidery. It's a great way to learn more about Oaxacan textiles and create your own unique souvenir.

Museo Textil de Oaxaca