The CDMT promotes the preservation of textile heritage. It provides specialist expertise in the world of textiles and brings historical and contemporary textile products to a wide public.

The CDMT is a center for research and preservation. It offers a range of specialist services for the conservation, curation and documentation of textile items and for the training of students and professionals in the field.

The CDMT brings textile heritage to a wide audience, through its exhibitions, documentary resources, and research, and through the workshops and activities it organizes for adults and children alike.