Wool and Fashion Tourist Center (a must in Verviers)

Occupying an important place in the city of Verviers, the Wool and Fashion Tourist Centre occupies buildings built by the Nivelle family. In 1727, the factory passed into the hands of the Dethier family. From 1804 to 1806, Pierre-Henri enlarged the factory and built a private mansion (front part) and laid out a garden of 8,000 m². After various changes, in the middle of the 19th century, the property was bought by Mr. Bettonville. This family ran a fabric factory until 1970. In 1976, the city of Verviers bought the whole building with the idea of creating a Wool Museum. 

The "factory" part, in neo-classical style, is built on three levels around a large "L"-shaped inner courtyard. On the ground floor, it comprises a succession of arched French windows whose glazed transom is divided by small radiating timbers. A large arched doorway occupies two levels and reinforces the monumental character of the building. On the street side is the mansion. 

The CTLM, inaugurated in 1999, offers a show trail entitled "From yarn to fashion" showing the different stages of the wool and cloth production process during the glorious era of the Verviers wool industry. It also offers temporary exhibitions.