Visit the Lace Study Centre to view different styles of lace from all over the world, independently research pieces in the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences’ collection and find out more from the volunteer lace enthusiasts who staff the centre. Everyone with a passion for these intricate and extraordinary textiles, including lacemakers, embroiderers, students and designers, is invited to use this unique resource.

The Lace Study Centre provides access to about 300 of the most significant examples of handmade lace in the MAAS collection.

The Museum has been collecting lace for more than a century and has one of the best collections in Australia, ranging from fine handmade lace from the late 1500s to more recent machine-made pieces.

Open hours

The Lace Centre is open on weekdays and Saturdays from 10:00am – 1:00pm (subject to volunteer availability). To ensure the volunteers will be present on the day of your visit please contact the Volunteer Centre on (02) 9217 0676 on the morning of your visit.

Watch a video about the Lace Study Centre [1:51]

Education resources

• Introduction to the Lace Study Centre
• Contemporary Lacemakers – Three Case Studies
• Research Questions for Secondary Students
• Caring for Your Lace
• Activity for K-6 Students: Paper Lace Workshop
• Lace Resources

Other resources

• Lace Classification System
• Glossary of Lace and Lacemaking Terms
• A Lace Holiday by Christine Johnson
• The Powerhouse Museum 2nd International Lace for Fashion Award 2001 Online Catalogue