Industrial and Handicraft Textile Museum

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Museum

District: Leiria > Porto de Mós > Mira de Aire > Barreirinho

Location

The Industrial and Craft Textile Museum is located in the town of Mira de Aire, part of the municipality of Porto de Mós. It is situated in the area known as Barreirinho and occupies the premises of a former textile factory, which gives the space a direct and authentic connection to the industrial history that unfolded there. Its location in the heart of Mira de Aire village integrates it into the daily life of the community which, for a long time, was linked to textile production.

A Legacy of the Textile Industry

This museum is dedicated to honoring the memory of the generations who, throughout the 20th century, made Mira de Aire and neighboring Minde important centers of the Portuguese textile industry. Its creation resulted from the desire to preserve the region's rich industrial heritage, offering visitors a perspective on the evolution and impact of this activity. It is a space that celebrates the work and innovation that boosted the local economy for many decades.

The Magic of Wool Transformation

Inside the museum, it is possible to follow the fascinating journey of wool, from its raw material to the final product. The permanent exhibition demonstrates each stage of the process, including shearing, washing, carding, spinning, dyeing, and weaving. Through a collection of industrial machinery and equipment, complemented by explanatory panels, one can understand how diverse items such as carpets, blankets, fabrics, and knitwear were produced.

Collection Details and Exhibitions

The museum's collection is vast and includes both artisanal equipment and industrial machines that were essential in wool processing. One of the highlights is the exhibition of 170 miniatures, titled "This is how wool was worked," which offers a detailed representation of the wool transformation processes, from its origin to the finished product. In addition, there is an audiovisual space which, through a video, illustrates the different phases of wool treatment. Visitors can also observe the recreation of a tailor's workshop, where tools and machines used in garment making are displayed.