Silk Museum

17/10/2026

'Postcards from the Silk Road: Hidden Codes and Connections' is a contemporary art exhibition by Macclesfield-based artist J R Oatts, created in response to Paradise Mill, its artefacts and the town’s silk heritage.

The exhibition brings colourful abstract works into direct conversation with objects and artefacts from the mill, exploring how patterns, repetition, hidden codes and fragments of history can connect people, places and stories across time.

The project, which is the artist’s final show for her MA Fine Art with Falmouth University, invites visitors to look again at familiar heritage and discover unexpected links between silk, memory, communication and modern life.

See this exclusive installation during Paradise Mill access, from Wednesday 4 November - Saturday 21 November. Various timeslots are bookable at https://www.thesilkmuseum.co.uk/calendar/postcards-from-the-silk-road-hidden-codes-and-connections

To find out more information about the artist and this project please visit the ‘Postcards from the Silk Road’ website https://postcardsfromthesilkroad.co.uk/

16/10/2026

The Macclesfield History Tapestry tea towel is now in stock! Take home your own mini tapestry copy (in tea towel form) or give as a gift. Both useful and beautiful!

For those of you waiting on the next delivery of jigsaws, it shouldn't be too long, we will let you know! (We have a waiting list in the shop if you want to join it).

15/10/2026

Are you passionate about heritage and helping to bring history alive? We're looking for Paradise Mill Volunteers, which could be just up your (cobbled) street!

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to work with our tour guides on Wednesdays - Saturdays, 11am - 4pm.

In this public-facing role, you will provide practical support to our guide and help es**rt visitors from the Silk Museum to the top floor of Paradise Mill, using the 49 stairs and/or lift. You will accompany the tour, providing backup if things don’t go to plan and ensuring the visitors have a fantastic experience.

Volunteers could choose to support us on an ad-hoc basis or more regularly if preferred. Half and full-day shifts are available.

If you think you might be interested in this voluntary role, please email Tracy and arrange an informal chat via https://www.thesilkmuseum.co.uk/opportunities

13/10/2026

This festive season, the museum’s Machine Gallery is transforming into a Winter Wonderland once again! Bring the family along to meet Father Christmas in his enchanting grotto and start your festive celebrations with a touch of magic.

As well as meeting Santa, little ones will step back in time with a delightful selection of traditional Victorian toys, and try on historical dress-up costumes. Each child will also take home a special memento to mark the day.

Families can book tickets for timeslots on Saturdays 21 November, 5 December, and 12 December at https://www.thesilkmuseum.co.uk/calendar/meet-father-christmas

Find out more about our deal with the team at the North Pole at https://macclesfield.nub.news/news/local-news/sp14678-father-christmas-to-return-to-macclesfield-as-silk-museum-announces-partnership-with-the-north-pole-310912

12/10/2026

🎅

The Silk Museum has announced a landmark partnership with the North Pole that will see Father Christmas himself return to Macclesfield this winter! 🎅

Find out more: https://macclesfield.nub.news/news/local-news/sp14678-father-christmas-to-return-to-macclesfield-as-silk-museum-announces-partnership-with-the-north-pole-310912

11/10/2026

What's on this week?

For bookable events visit https://www.thesilkmuseum.co.uk/calendar - on Instagram you can find the link in our What's On Stories Highlights and the links in our profile.

The Silk Museum, Cafe and Gift Shop are open Wednesday - Saturday, 10am-4pm.

Admission only and guided tours of Paradise Mill are bookable on the website and at the museum.

www.thesilkmuseum.co.uk

10/10/2026

🍂 Today 🍂

10/10/2026

We are ready to dive head-first into the spookiness of Autumn with the return of Tina’s Spooky Walk - now with even more creepy tales to chill your blood!

Have you heard of the ghostly horses of Jordangate? How about the headless spectre of St George’s? Hear these stories and more on Macclesfield’s original supernatural walking tour.

From spooky landmarks to haunted pubs to ghostly singing, and legends and surprising histories along the way....

6:30-8:30pm, Friday 30 October.
Suitable for 16+. For more information and to book tickets visit https://www.thesilkmuseum.co.uk/calendar/4xjyv0m9d79hp2r4dmvx3725hquppc

09/10/2026

09/10/2026

*Update/ edit*
If you are interested in making us a private bid/ offer then get in touch by 31st October 2026. The person with the highest offer will then be given first refusal. Email [email protected] Thank you.

At the museum Silk Shop we have been donated this vintage Macclesfield Silk scarf, and as a charity we would love to hear your offers to purchase this special piece of memorabilia!

Approximately 86x84cm, this mid century screen printed, Made In Macclesfield, 100% silk scarf depicts 9 local landmarks (pictured).

If you would be interested in owning this souvenier scarf and a little piece of history, then please email
[email protected] or [email protected] with your offer price!

*The scarf is modelled by Daisy our fantastic, research award winning Paradise Mill Guide!