About the Museum

The Textile Museum of Canada aims to inspire understanding of the human experience through textiles.

We are the only museum in Canada delivering programs and exhibitions dedicated solely to textile arts. The Museum ignites creativity, inspires wonder, and sparks conversation through the stories held within our global collection of textiles, and active engagement with contemporary art practices.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the land on which the Textile Museum of Canada operates is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabe, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat. It is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. Through our activities we seek to create a space for people to share, learn, and celebrate the textile practices of today and long ago in the spirit of peace, friendship and respect.  

The Museum’s exhibitions present the work of local, national, and international contemporary artists and often draw from the Museum’s collection. The Museum is an internationally renowned educational institution, recognized for the relevance and diversity of its exhibitions, innovative approaches to educational programs, and the significance and digital accessibility of its collection. We are located in the heart of downtown Toronto, in close proximity to St Patrick subway station, Toronto City Hall, Dundas Square, and the Art Gallery of Ontario.

01. Our History

The Textile Museum of Canada celebrated 45 years in 2020!

1975
The Canadian Museum of Carpets and Textiles, founded by Max Allen and Simon Waegemaekers, presents its first collection in a modest location in Toronto’s Mirvish Village.
1978
The first written collections policy outlines an interest in textiles made by people from around the world for whom textiles are a major form of cultural expression.
1989
The Textile Museum of Canada moves into its current 24,000 square-foot home at 55 Centre Avenue with a new mandate to include exhibitions of international contemporary art, craft, and design.
1998
Fibrespace, the Museum’s hands-on education gallery opens, marking a deep commitment to life-long learning.
2004–2007
The Museum’s entire collection of 12,000+ artifacts is digitized and made available for reference worldwide, 24 hours a day, in high resolution.
2019
NOW Magazine votes the Textile Museum of Canada one of the best museums in the city.
2020
The Textile Museum of Canada celebrates 45 years!

02. Meet The Team

Our staff and Board work diligently to plan, support, and promote the Museum’s activities.

With over fifty years of combined experience, our staff members drive our day-to-day work. Our Board is comprised of professionals from many different backgrounds, who come together to support and enrich the Museum with their governance and guidance.

Community Access

03. Get Involved

Looking to share your love of textiles with others?

There are many ways to get involved with the Textile Museum of Canada. Visit exhibitions, attend programs, become a member, or apply to be a volunteer, intern or staff member to further support the Museum’s mission.

Learn More

04. Facility Rentals

The Textile Museum of Canada offers its dynamic space to like-minded organizations that share our values. Our reception space and adjoining auditorium are perfect for parties, lectures, meetings, screenings and special events. Our reception space is ideal for up to 75 guests, while the auditorium seats 60. For more information, please visit our rentals page.

05. Annual Reports & Plans

View Our Reports & Plans

The Textile Museum of Canada’s Reports & Plans highlight the Museum’s activities and growth over the course of our fiscal years. Documents appear in PDF format.