The Museum for Textiles was founded in 1975 and moved
into its specially designed 25,000 square foot permanent
location in the heart of downtown Toronto in 1989. It is the
only museum in Canada (and one of eight in the world)
exclusively devoted to the collection, exhibition, and
documentation of textiles from around the world. A visit to
the galleries provides the opportunity to experience the
traditions, skills and creative processes which make the
textile arts a particularly engaging art form.
The Museum's programming involves a diversity of
communities. The exhibitions and collection of 8,500
artifacts from around the world enjoy a unprecedented amount
of media coverage. The Museum was named Best Small Museum by
Toronto Life magazine in 1995.
Exhibitions are augmented by an educational program to
further increase public knowledge through lectures, tours,
workshops and publications. Specifically designed docent
tours are developed for elementary, secondary, college and
university students. The Museum established tile
Contemporary Gallery in 1989. This gallery complements the
historical and ethnographic exhibitions by exhibiting the
work of Canadian and international artists exploring
contemporary issues in the textile arts. It is one of the
few venues in Canada which provides ongoing opportunities
for artists working in textiles to exhibit their work. Both
the exhibitions and documentation produced for this gallery
have been critically acclaimed.
In addition to the 15,000 square feet of gallery space,
the Museum houses a specialized reference library,
conservation laboratory, collection management/research
area, girl and book store, and auditorium for meetings and
seminars. The Museum also provides a unique setting for
receptions and other special events. In 1997 an education gallery,
fibrespace was installed to provide a hands-on,
interactive experience for both individual and group
visitors.
The Museum's permanent home in the Metropolitan Hotel
complex came about through direct partnership with business,
and the Museum continues to develop important partnerships.
The Museum operates with a small professional staff and an
annual operating budget of $600,000. It receives 30% of its
operating revenue from government, and relies for financial
support on its members and individual, foundation and
corporate supporters. Earned revenue from memberships,
admissions, tours, the Museum shop and bookstore, and the
dedication of 150 volunteers enables the Museum to continue
its vigorous programming.
