What to expect

At the heart of Paris’s 13th arrondissement, the Galerie des Gobelins is hosting an exceptional exhibition that reveals an artistic dialogue woven over more than four centuries between India and France. What’s Being Woven. Woven Histories between India and France offers a true journey at the crossroads of cultures, expertise, and imagination. Through a rare selection of historical textiles, haute couture pieces, and contemporary creations, this guided tour provides a unique immersion into the fascinating world of textile arts. It is an opportunity to discover how two major creative traditions have each played a role in shaping the global history of textiles.

Galerie des Gobelins – Mobilier national | Duration: 1h30

An immersive journey between heritage and contemporary creation

This guided visit unveils a collection of works in which every thread tells a story. The refined muslins of Bengal, the shawls of Kashmir, the luminous Lyon brocades, and delicate laces dialogue with textile sculptures, couture silhouettes, and installations by contemporary artists. The journey goes beyond presenting beautiful objects: it highlights the evolution of techniques, the reciprocal influence of styles, and the way artisans of yesterday and today uphold a living heritage.

The exhibition also features works produced through the Franco-Indian residencies of Villa Swagatam, a program bringing together traditional Indian artisans and contemporary creators. These collaborations give rise to surprising pieces that perfectly illustrate the richness of the exchanges between the two countries. Between tradition and innovation, visitors discover a heritage where the patience of the gesture, the precision of the hand, and creativity are at the heart of every creation.

Why book your guided tour?

A guided tour allows you to go far beyond simple contemplation. A mediator accompanies you throughout the visit, revealing fabrication secrets, placing the works in context, and explaining the cultural significance of the pieces on display. Exchanges between India and France are not merely a matter of aesthetic influence: they form a true dialogue between civilizations, marked by encounters, transmissions, and reinventions that have shaped textile history over several centuries.

Booking a guided tour ensures a clear, enriching, and accessible experience. As places are limited, some time slots—especially mid-afternoon—fill up quickly. To make the most of the exhibition and benefit from personalized guidance, it is strongly recommended to book in advance. The 1h30 duration is ideal for immersing yourself in the exhibition, asking questions, and gaining a deep understanding of the importance of the pieces presented.

A prestigious setting: the Galerie des Gobelins

The venue itself contributes to the exceptional nature of this experience. Located within the Mobilier national, the Galerie des Gobelins is a space dedicated to French decorative arts and artisanal expertise. Its walls bear witness to a long tradition of creation, innovation, and heritage preservation. Visiting an exhibition in this environment means entering a space where history and modernity naturally meet.

The gallery is located at 1 rue Berbier-du-Mets, just a few steps from the Gobelins metro station (line 7). Easily accessible, it is an ideal destination for a cultural discovery solo, as a couple, with family, or in a group. Opening hours offer great flexibility: the exhibition is accessible from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last entry at 5:15 p.m.

An experience designed for all audiences

Whether you are passionate about art, a fashion enthusiast, a lover of craftsmanship, or simply curious, this guided tour offers a fresh way to understand textiles. The works on display speak equally to newcomers and connoisseurs. The interplay of materials, the richness of colors, the variety of techniques, and the originality of forms offer everyone a gateway into this universe.

The exhibition is also accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. The scenography, designed to ensure a smooth, immersive experience, allows easy circulation between sections.

Prices and practical information

For individual visitors wishing to discover the exhibition on a self-guided tour, prices start at €8 (full rate) and €7 (reduced rate).
For the guided tour, prices vary depending on the type of visitor:

Adult: €14
Under 26: €9
Constituted groups may benefit from a dedicated time slot, depending on availability.

An unmissable cultural event

In a world where creation accelerates and digital technologies play a central role, this exhibition reminds us of the value of time, gesture, and transmission. Through each work, we perceive the vitality of a heritage that continuously evolves, and the symbolic power of textiles as a link between peoples, eras, and artistic visions.

The balance between tradition and innovation, the harmony between ancient techniques and new creations, and the singular beauty of the works presented make this visit a rare moment.

Booking your place for the guided tour means treating yourself to a unique cultural immersion, where history, emotion, expertise, and visual wonder intertwine. An inspiring experience that reveals how the threads woven between India and France have shaped a shared history that is rich, profound, and profoundly human.