Exposition on hat production in Nový Jičín

Textile industry flourished all over Moravia for centuries. Fabrics and textile products were exported to all the corners of the world.

One of the important places where textile production is still going on is Nový Jičín in the Moravian-Silesian region. The locals have been devoted to hat-making since the mid-17th century. The family owned Hückel firm moved to the town from Bavaria and produced a wide range of women’s and men’s hats. After World War II, several hat-making businesses merged into TONAK, a company that continues to manufacture fashionable accessories to this day.

On the first floor of the Visitor Centre at Masaryk Square, you will find a museum where you can learn about the history of hat-making in Nový Jičín, and you can also design and make your own hat. There is also a permanent exposition dedicated to famous Austrian General Laudon, who died in Nový Jičín. You cannot miss his equestrian statue as it is almost four metres long and has been 3D printed. This artefact is recorded in the Czech Book of Records.