The Silk Museum

When was the last time you thought about where your clothes come from? For centuries, silk has been the ultimate hallmark of luxury and style, and Macclesfield was once the beating heart of this global industry.

Spread across two historic sites, this unique attraction brings Macclesfield’s mighty creative and industrial past to life. Start your journey in the original Macclesfield School of Art building, home to the Silk Museum. Here, you will discover the story of silk, learn about the lives of mill workers, and see how the factory owners spent their money. You will also discover how early Jacquard mechanisms laid the foundations for our modern digital age, explore different weaving methods, and uncover the personal stories of the people who made Macclesfield an international center for design.

Right next door, time stands still at Paradise Mill. As one of the last operating silk mills in the town, it remains exactly as it was when the weavers downed tools in the 1980s. Today, the mill houses Europe’s largest collection of silk Jacquard handlooms. Join an expert guide for an immersive tour to see restored looms in action, hear the secrets of the mill, and experience what life was truly like for the workers who supplied the world’s major retailers. It’s an unforgettable, sensory day out for all ages.