Opened in 1985, Comines' Ribbon Industry Museum is a professionalized associative structure that preserves, restores, studies and presents the ribbon heritage in and around the city of Comines. In that way the transmission of the knowledge, gestures and techniques, the classification and the study of archives like the collecting of documents and of oral remembrances through inquiries, linked to local ribbon industries, are a solid base for a mediation dedicated to all the public. The goal is to give the opportunity to each one to discover and/or to understand all the "treasures" of this remarkable heritage.

The permanent collections consist on a range of 40 weaving looms that still function. It allows the guides to explain efficiently the many different aspects of the weaving of ribbons (on a traditional way or by using the Jacquard's system, as well as the making of ropes, braids, zip fasteners...) included the preparation and ennoblishment (or finition) phases. Archives, tools, woven pieces... are also shown to enlarge the visitors' discoveries. In the future, an archive and documentation centre will be opened to researchers.
Thematic publications (booklets, scientific studies about the historical, ethnological, technical aspects of the ribbon industry as well as discoveries of unexpected pieces or parts of its patrimony) and temporary exhibitions are married with living tours inside the museum through a fine selection of weaving engines that are still working!