Straw Hat Museum

The museum was founded in 2001 by Lajos Szőcs, and it has been continuously expanding ever since – the collection currently includes more than 2,000 hats, ranging from the smallest doll hats to the Guinness World Record-holding giant hat with a 2-metre diameter. Among the exhibits, you’ll find not only local straw hats but also headwear from various countries in diverse styles, making the exhibition a kind of international hat travelogue.

The museum is not just an exhibition space but also a living craft workshop: visitors can learn about the process of making straw hats, including weaving and sewing techniques, and even try their hand at the craft. The venue often hosts craft workshops, themed days, and camps for children, families, and tourist groups.

What makes the museum special is that it was created as a personal initiative, born out of civic dedication, and it continues to operate as a local community endeavour. The founders’ aim is not only to showcase the craft but also to strengthen the identity of Körispatak, pass on communal knowledge, and immerse visitors in the experience of Székely craft culture.

A visit to the Straw Hat Museum is not just about discovering an object but also a story, woven together from sunlight, labour, tradition, and creativity – just like the hat itself. It starts with a single strand of straw but connects communities and cultures. 

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