National costumes are made and used by women and men of all ages, including professionals in the field of national costumes as well as individuals who are interested in particular costumes or making handicrafts.

The Imperial Senate ordered on 14th December 1888, that an allowance be granted for the operation of a handicraft museum beginning in 1890.The resulting museum operated under the Society of Industrial Art and was located at the Museum of Art and Design (operating today as the Design Museum).