The Hat Museum is an icon of the Stockport skyline, but until recently it has been closed to visitors due to refurbishments. 

After four years of anticipation, however, the Hat Museum re-opened in March this year, with a total overhaul of the exhibitions. 

If you haven't yet had the pleasure of looking around, here are some of the things to expect. 

You can, funnily enough, expect hats. But there's more to it than that!

Most obvious of all the changes is the new 'gallery of hats', which is four times larger than its antecedent in the previous museum layout.

Some of the landmark hats include the Duke of Wellington's bicorne, a fez made in Stockport which found its way to South Africa (and back!), some statement hats from Manchester drag artists, and many more. 

L-R Cllr Mark Hunter, Georgia Tennant and Tony Burns (Image via MC Construction)

The exhibitions as a whole have also been redesigned to tell the stories of the citizens and consumers who made up the hat industry, with lots of new social history covering colonialism, LGBTQ+, and more. 

Also on offer are guided tours of the factory floors, and activities for children - including dress-up, play equipment, and challenges. 

With May half-term coming up, the refurbished Hat Museum would be a great addition to the day out itinerary. 

Cllr Frankie Singleton, cabinet member for communities, culture and sport, said: "Stockport's high-class fur felt hats were exported around the world and the Hat Works brings this industry - which was unique to Stockport - to life."

"Our museum also celebrates hat-making and wearing globally. [...]

"Many of our collections are collaborations and collaboration has been at the heart of creating lots of our new displays. Working with colleagues from the Ibadandun Cultural Heritage Living History Museum and local African textile historian and artist, MamaToro, has helped us understand the power hats and headwear have to connect people from all over the world."

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