Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie — Exhibitions
Temporary and permanent exhibitions dedicated to Aubusson tapestry
2026
About Cité de la Tapisserie
Cité de la Tapisserie — edition 2026
The 2026 summer season at the Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie in Aubusson is marked by three major temporary exhibitions: the unveiling of the monumental tapestry "Les Mains d'Aubusson" in homage to George Sand for the 150th anniversary of her passing (until June 8), the return to Aubusson of Jean Lurçat's Chant du Monde (from April 4 to November 1, 2026), and the continuation of Hayao Miyazaki's Imagination in Aubusson Tapestry (all year round), with the fifth tapestry Mei and Totoro's Nap. All this takes place in the new 1,600 m² extension spaces, opened to the public on January 18, 2026.
An exceptional 2026 season for the Cité's 10th anniversary
The year 2026 marks the tenth anniversary of the Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie, inaugurated in July 2016. For this season, the program unfolds in the new 1,600 m² extension spaces, opened to the public on January 18, 2026, 530 m² of which are dedicated to temporary exhibitions.
Homage to George Sand — until June 8, 2026
For the 150th anniversary of George Sand's passing (June 8, 1876), the Cité presents "Les Mains d'Aubusson", a monumental tapestry-installation 23 meters long and 2.15 meters high, designed by contemporary artist Françoise Pétrovitch and woven at the Manufacture Robert Four in Aubusson. The work will be publicly unveiled on June 8, 2026, the anniversary day, and presented at the Cité from June 9, 2026.
Jean Lurçat's Chant du Monde — from April 4 to November 1, 2026
The extension hosts for the first time in Aubusson Jean Lurçat's tapestry "Le Chant du Monde", ten monumental tapestries woven between 1957 and 1966 (350 m² in total). The work returns to its city of origin 60 years after its creation, an exceptional loan from the Jean-Lurçat Museum and Contemporary Tapestry of Angers.
Hayao Miyazaki's Imagination — all year 2026
The unique collaboration between the Cité and Tokyo's Studio Ghibli continues with the fifth tapestry of the cycle, "Mei and Totoro's Nap" (based on My Neighbor Totoro), the largest of the cycle at 31.65 m², with its completion expected in 2026. Four already completed tapestries from the project are exhibited in rotation.
Permanent collection and UNESCO know-how
The permanent collection presents six centuries of Aubusson tapestry — a know-how inscribed on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list since 2009. From the 15th to the 21st century, the exhibition juxtaposes historical pieces from the Mobilier national with contemporary creations (Tolkien, Druillet, Barontini…).
Highlights Cité de la Tapisserie 2026
- 10th-anniversary season of the Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie
- Unveiling on June 8, 2026, of the monumental tapestry "Les Mains d'Aubusson" by Françoise Pétrovitch (23 m long), in homage to George Sand for the 150th anniversary of her passing
- Aubusson premiere of Jean Lurçat's Chant du Monde (ten tapestries, 350 m²) from April 4 to November 1, 2026
- Continuation of the Miyazaki / Studio Ghibli project: fifth tapestry "Mei and Totoro's Nap" (31.65 m²) in finalization
- New spaces: 1,600 m² extension opened on January 18, 2026, including 530 m² for temporary exhibitions
- Free guided tours at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 4 PM every opening day
- Full price: 9 € — free for under 18s
Programme Cité de la Tapisserie 2026
Temporary exhibitions scheduled for 2026
- Until June 8, 2026 — Homage to George Sand: "Les Mains d'Aubusson" by Françoise Pétrovitch (23 m tapestry-installation, official unveiling on June 8 for the 150th anniversary of the writer's passing)
- From April 4 to November 1, 2026 — Le Chant du Monde by Jean Lurçat (ten monumental tapestries, 350 m², in the new extension)
- From January 18 to December 31, 2026 — Hayao Miyazaki's Imagination in Aubusson Tapestry (Studio Ghibli collaboration, rotating presentation of already woven tapestries and progress on the fifth "Mei and Totoro's Nap")
Guided tours
Free guided tours without reservation every opening day at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 4 PM.
Other events 2026
- European Artistic Crafts Days (spring)
- The festival Aubusson weaves Tolkien is exhibited in parallel in Angers from April 10 to November 8, 2026 (outdoor presentation of the Tolkien tapestry)
Prices Cité de la Tapisserie 2026
Reduced price: 6.50 € (18-25 years old, +65 years old, groups of 10+, job seekers, people with disabilities)
Free: under 18s, ICOM card, press card, Ministry of Culture agents, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage professionals, certified tour guides, members of the Société des Amis de la Cité, Luciole card
Combined ticket Cité d'Aubusson + Église du Château de Felletin: 10 € (April to October)
Practical information — Cité de la Tapisserie
Practical Information
Location
Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie
Visitor entrance: Rue Williams-Dumazet, 23200 Aubusson
Mailing address: Avenue des Lissiers – BP 89, 23200 Aubusson
Access
By car: D941 from Guéret (50 km) or Clermont-Ferrand (90 km). Three parking areas nearby: Place Maurice Dayras, Esplanade Charles De Gaulle, and the bus station.
By train: La Souterraine or Limoges stations, then bus connection to Aubusson.
Prices
- Full price: 9 €
- Reduced price: 6.50 € (18-25 years old, +65 years old, groups 10+, job seekers, people with disabilities)
- Free: under 18 years old, ICOM card, press card, Ministry of Culture agents, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage professionals, lecturer-guides, members of the Société des Amis de la Cité, Luciole card
- Combined ticket Cité + Église du Château de Felletin: 10 € (April to October)
Opening Hours
July-August: 10 AM - 6 PM daily (Tuesday 2 PM - 6 PM)
September to June: 9:30 AM - 12 PM and 2 PM - 6 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
Annual closure: January (except public holidays)
Exceptional closure: June 8, 2026 (preparation for the unveiling of the George Sand tapestry)
Contact
Phone: 05 55 66 66 66
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cite-tapisserie.fr
A museum dedicated to UNESCO-listed know-how
The Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie, inaugurated in 2016, is the showcase for a six-century-old know-how: Aubusson tapestry, listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2009. Housed in the former premises of the École Nationale d'Art Décoratif (ENAD), the Cité holds a permanent collection retracing the history of tapestry from the 15th to the 21st century, with exceptional pieces from the Mobilier national and public collections.
Major international temporary exhibitions
Each year, the Cité offers temporary exhibitions that create a dialogue between tapestry and contemporary creation. The Tolkien exhibition in 2024, presenting the entirety of the Tolkien tapestry woven in Aubusson, broke all attendance records. The Miyazaki project, in partnership with Tokyo's Studio Ghibli, includes six monumental tapestries inspired by the universe of the Japanese animation master. A 1,600 m² extension project is underway, with 530 m² dedicated to temporary exhibitions.
George Sand and the future of tapestry
For 2026, the Cité is preparing a monumental tapestry in homage to George Sand for the 150th anniversary of her death, a hybrid tapestry-installation work 23 meters long. This project demonstrates the Cité's commitment to keeping tradition alive while exploring new artistic forms, confirming Aubusson as the world capital of tapestry.
Where does it take place — Cité de la Tapisserie
Cité de la Tapisserie in brief
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