Living Silkworm Museum

The Living Silkworm Museum in Lagorce, Ardèche, is a major testament to sericulture (silk cocoon production) in France from the 19th century to the present day. It is also playing a role in the current revival of this agricultural sector and features a silk shop. Housed in a former silkworm farm (a facility dedicated to raising silkworms) that has been recently renovated and equipped with air conditioning, it hosts several complete silkworm rearing cycles from April through October, from the birth of the caterpillars to the emergence of the Bombyx mori moths. Here, the knowledge acquired by generations of silkworm breeders is preserved and passed down. You’ll discover how to care for this delicate insect—domesticated for 5,000 years—and the special bond it shares with humans. Producer of a cocoon with unique and unmatched qualities that have earned silk the title of “Queen of Fibers,” the mulberry silkworm never ceases to amaze us! Use a magnifying glass to observe the newborns in our nursery, and don’t be fooled by the motionless caterpillars in the midst of molting—their appetite is monstrously incredible! Watch as our breeders feed the silkworms and enjoy the rare and magical spectacle of the caterpillars, as they spin their cocoons, gradually disappearing behind the silk to transform into butterflies. Whether you’re visiting on your own, with friends, with family, or as part of a group, your encounter with the silkworm will leave a lasting impression, and you’ll understand why we consider it almost a member of the family. Several collections on display at the museum round out the picture of this agricultural activity and are presented using modern museum design: - Varietal collections of mulberry trees in the Calade Olivier de Serres: an invitation to a leisurely, gourmet stroll in the shade of 30 mulberry trees. An iconic tree of the Ardèche region, the Armourier—or “Golden Tree”—was specifically introduced and cultivated in France to feed silkworms. Here, you’re welcome to taste its fruit! Stay in the loop with this resourceful tree: in the age of climate change, you might want to plant mulberry trees yourself! - Naturalized collections of animals from around the world. Whether spiders or moths, they all have one thing in common… the production of wild silk! This remarkable collection (the Lentenois Collections) opens our eyes to the beauty and diversity of nature, sparking our curiosity about the living world—and, beyond that, about the various techniques used to process these silk fibers. Join us as we explore these delicate worlds and learn how to spin thread and draw out silk! - Collections of sericulture artifacts (silkworm breeding, rearing, and moriculture), models, and films evoke the era of silk and shed light on specialized processes: will you be able to hear their unique stories, which will immerse you in a sensory journey to the heart of silk? The SOIE shop, like a cocoon of wonders, is an extension of our cultural offerings: regional and local creations, colorful silk fabrics in a variety of textures, silk-based cosmetics for him and her, accessories, a bookstore, and souvenirs. Museum Highlights (available at www.lagorceardeche.com) - Seamstresses’ Flea Market (May) // TEXTILES - Garden Open House (May–June) // NATURE - European Heritage Days (September) // TECHNIQUES, HISTORY - Science Festival (September–October) // LIFE SCIENCES - Silk Industry Gatherings (January) // REVITALIZING THE SILK INDUSTRY We offer: - A warm welcome at the museum, from April through October: guided tours, self-guided tours, activities… for individuals and groups. A 100% silk gift shop where you can treat yourself and buy gifts for your loved ones. A cocoon of wonder :)) - Outreach programs (schools, nursing homes, recreation centers, exhibitions…): demonstrations, workshops, activities, and lectures - Visit us at trade shows: Wool and Silk Festival (Crest—February), Barjasoie (Barjac—June), Festival du Fil (Montpezat-sous-Bauzon—August), Silk in Lyon (Lyon—November) Want to extend your museum visit with another enjoyable experience in Lagorce? - Picnics or nearby restaurants - A family walk along the botanical trail, featuring signs created by the village children - Village tour (guided by the Friends of Vallon History) - Farmers’ market every Friday - Visits to two other museums in the town (Melvita, Rucher de l’Ibie) - Tours of wineries and farms