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Welcome to the Silk Museum

Open Wednesday to Saturday : 10.00 – 16.00

Also, Treacle Market Sunday : 11.30 - 15.30 [except for Easter Sunday 31st March, when we will not be open]

Discover the stories of silk in this fascinating Silk Museum, featuring Europe’s largest collection of Jacquard silk handlooms in their original setting.

Wonderful museum. Full of fascinating exhibits connected to the silk industry. It’s well worth booking the guided tour of the mill. Very interesting & the working machinery was fascinating.
— Trip Advisor review

Your visit starts here

The Silk Museum features marvellous industrial textile machinery and displays of textiles and fabric designs.

Find out how silk shaped Macclesfield over 300 years and its connection with Ancient Egypt. Get a taste of 19th- and 20th-century fashions with the pattern book and costume collection and discover the crucial role that the silk industry played during the Second World War. There is also an innovative programme of creative exhibitions and events.

Relax with a cup of local freshly ground coffee in our cosy tea room and a browse around our beautiful shop, brimming with a unique range of gifts.

Paradise Mill is the heart of the Silk Museum and is situated next door. The Mill has just re-opened after extensive refurbishment and can be visited as part of a Guided Tour, Wednesdays to Saturdays, at 11.00am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

No need to pre-book a visit to the Silk Museum. Please drop in.

We encourage you to support us with a donation.

Tickets for Paradise Mill tours may be pre-booked.

We are a charity conserving this unique industrial heritage for today’s enjoyment and for future generations. Please support our work with a donation or by joining The Friends

What’s on

  • Get creative with our inspiring programme of exhibitions and events.

  • Explore our collection of marvellous industrial machinery. 

  • Enjoy an inspiring programme of displays and creative events.

  • Don’t miss one of our unique guided walks around Macclesfield.

Workshops are run for all abilities and ages.

Many events are free to attend.

collections and exhibitions

Discover the history of silk weaving from handlooms to powerful industrial machinery.

Be inspired by our unrivalled archive of silk textile designs, preserved in original pattern books. Find out who influenced the town’s history through their creativity and ingenuity.