Museum of Art & Industry Katowice Collections

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Saint-Étienne & Katowice Forge Cultural Alliance with “Ribbons and Haute Couture” exhibition

A landmark collaboration between France and Poland will see the textile treasures of Saint-Étienne’s Museum of Art and Industry showcased at the Katowice History Museum from November 25, 2025, to March 29, 2026, highlighting the renowned Saint-Étienne know-how in textile production.This exchange underscores a growing cultural partnership between the two cities, with reciprocal exhibitions planned for the near future.

A Celebration of Ribbon and Fashion History

The exhibition, titled “Ribbons and Haute Couture,” will feature approximately thirty dresses from iconic fashion houses including Chanel, Dior, yves Saint-Laurent, Givenchy, Franck Sorbier, and Maurizio Galante. Beyond the garments themselves, the display will also include fashion plates, sample registers, and, of course, a diverse collection of ribbons.

These artifacts, drawn from the Saint-Étienne museum’s extensive holdings, trace the evolution of the ribbon from a simple decorative element in the 17th century to a vital creative material for the world’s leading couturiers. According to museum officials, the entire curatorial vision and exhibition design were meticulously crafted by the textile collections department of the Museum of Art and Industry. A striking example of the collection is a skirt, hat, gloves, and bra set by Chantal Thomass, dating back to 1988.

Did you know?-Saint-Étienne, france, has a long history as a center for ribbon manufacturing, dating back to the 16th century.The city’s expertise in this craft is a key element of its cultural identity.

Expanding cultural Exchange: A Two-Way Street

The “Ribbons and Haute couture” exhibition is not a singular event, but rather a cornerstone of a broader, ongoing cultural exchange. From october 2026 to March 2027, the Couriot-Musée de la Mine in Saint-Étienne will host a photographic exhibition dedicated to the work of Polish photographer Anna Chojnacka. Her work documents the significant industrial and urban development that has shaped Poland.

This ambitious partnership project has already received significant recognition, earning the national interest label from the French Ministry of Culture in commemoration of the bicentenary of photography.This designation underscores the project’s importance to both nations’ cultural heritage.

The collaboration between Saint-Étienne and Katowice demonstrates a commitment to fostering international understanding and recognition through the shared language of art and design, promising a vibrant future for cultural exchange between France and Poland.

Pro tip:-When visiting cultural exhibitions, consider researching the historical context of the featured art or artifacts beforehand to enhance your understanding and appreciation.

Why this collaboration? The partnership between saint-Étienne and Katowice aims to strengthen cultural ties between France and Poland, celebrating shared artistic heritage and fostering mutual understanding. Who is involved? The key players are the Museum of Art and Industry in Saint-Étienne, the Katowice History Museum, Polish photographer Anna Chojnacka, and the French and Polish Ministries of Culture. What is happening? A two-way exchange of exhibitions: “Ribbons and Haute Couture” travels to Katowice (November 25, 2025 – March 29, 2026), followed by a photographic exhibition of Anna Chojnacka’s work in Saint-Étienne (october 2026 – March 2027). How did it begin? The initiative stemmed from a desire to showcase Saint-Étienne’s textile expertise and build upon existing cultural connections. The project concluded with the opening of the “Ribbons and Haute Couture” exhibition in Katowice on November 25, 2025, and will continue with