MUSEUM OF THE HAT
Museum housing machines, equipment and tools used in the manufacture of various hat models
Created in 1992, the Musée de la Chapellerie is an essential part of Aude's industrial heritage, reminding us of the long tradition of hatmaking in the Haute Vallée de l'Aude. Indeed, as early as the 18th century, hat makers from Bugarach settled in the area, particularly in Esperaza. The arrival of the railroads in the 19th century marked the start of a revolution, followed by the industrial era and the mechanization of certain stages of production. In the twentieth century, the hat industry employed nearly 3,000 workers at 14 local sites, making Espéraza famous on every continent. The second half of the twentieth century sounded the death knell for the industry, as fashion decided to relegate this long-essential accessory to the status of a casual, old-fashioned item. Today, the museum houses the machines, equipment and tools used to manufacture the various hat models. A twenty-minute projection completes the information provided in the museum, and recalls the history of the once flourishing hat industry. Two areas are also available for workshops. Guided tours are provided by the Musée d'Espéraza team and the Association "Les Amis du Musée de la Chapellerie". A new feature is the sale of hats from the new Montcapel d'Esperaza cooperative, which has risen from the ashes like a beautiful phoenix, bringing the unique ancestral craft of felt and wool up to date.
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