About Lacis
LACIS was founded as a retail store in 1965 in Berkeley, California. Conceived and operated by Kaethe Kliot until her untimely passing in 2002, it began in a small storefront at the corner of Adeline Street and Ashby Avenue. There, it became a haven for the textile community, a place where Kaethe offered support, encouragement, and generously shared her knowledge of lace and textiles.
LACIS was founded as a retail store in 1965 in Berkeley, California. Conceived and operated by Kaethe Kliot until her untimely passing in 2002, it began in a small storefront at the corner of Adeline Street and Ashby Avenue. There, it became a haven for the textile community, a place where Kaethe offered support, encouragement, and generously shared her knowledge of lace and textiles.
Kaethe and Jules Kliot assembled an extraordinary collection of textiles, driven by a commitment to preserving the artistry of handmade traditions. Their collecting ranged widely, reflecting both a scholarly eye and a profound respect for the makers behind each piece.
ESTABLISHED in October 2004 to share and sustain the collection of their collection, the Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles houses lace, textiles, historical dress, a related library, and the tools of the textile arts.
For over six decades, Lacis has been an institution dedicated to preserving, sharing, and celebrating the artistry of lace and textiles. What began as a small shop specializing in weaving and rug-making supplies has grown into one of the West Coast’s centers for the textile arts.
Our collection represents dedication to the preservation of handiwork, encompassing pieces from pre-Columbian Peru, 17th-century European courts, and works reflecting the emergence of mechanized production in the 19th-century. And more!
Our Mission
To PRESERVE the spirit of Lacis as created by Kaethe Kliot, a place of support, knowledge, and encouragement for those involved in the textile arts.
To MAINTAIN the collection of Kaethe and Jules Kliot, comprised of the lace, historical dress, and textiles from all periods, including the patterns and tools of creation, the objects of their purpose, and the literature associated with these objects.
To EDUCATE through exhibits, lectures, demonstrations, workshops, and classes the techniques and history of dress and the textile arts.
To INSPIRE through our efforts, makers of all skill levels, to explore and appreciate traditional techniques, experiment with historic patterns, and create their own textile treasures.
A NON-PROFIT [501(C) (3)], Lacis Museum is supported solely by sales from the retail shop, contributions from the original Lacis, which is now a distributor to the needlework industry, and monetary and physical donations from visitors and Friends.
Visit Us
The Lacis Museum is located within our Berkeley shop at 2982 Adeline Street. When you visit, you can explore our current exhibitions, browse an extensive selection of textile supplies and books, and experience firsthand what makes Lacis a haven for makers and textile art enthusiasts.
Museum Tours: Monday-Saturday, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM (Appointments encouraged)
Shop Hours: Monday-Saturday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Phone: (510) 843-7290