Discover the world through its most fascinating headwear at this unique museum dedicated to hats, headdresses and cultural traditions from across the globe. The collection brings together hundreds of extraordinary objects that reveal how head coverings have expressed identity, status, beliefs and rituals throughout history.
Founded by scholar and traveller Kirill Babaev, the museum features an impressive selection of antique jewelled crowns, ceremonial African helmet masks, towering shaman hats, bonnets made from human hair, bark headbands and intricately decorated wedding headdresses. Each piece reflects the customs and craftsmanship of diverse cultures, many of which are rapidly disappearing.
What makes the experience especially memorable is its interactive approach - visitors can photograph and even try on many of the exhibits. The museum also hosts lectures, workshops and creative classes on the history of headwear and traditional weaving techniques in Latvian, English and Russian.
Suitable for both adults and children, the museum offers an engaging journey around the world through one of humanity’s most expressive forms of cultural heritage.
Why visit
The museum showcases an extraordinary collection of traditional headwear from across the globe, revealing how hats, crowns, masks and headdresses have expressed identity, social status and cultural beliefs for centuries.
Visitors can explore hundreds of unique objects, from jewelled crowns and ceremonial masks to towering shaman hats and intricately decorated wedding headdresses.
How to get there
The museum is located in Riga’s Art Nouveau district, within the Quiet Centre neighbourhood, just a short walk from the city centre. It can be easily reached on foot from major landmarks such as the Freedom Monument and Esplanade Park. Several tram, bus and trolleybus routes stop nearby on Elizabetes iela and Brīvības bulvāris, followed by a short walk to the museum entrance.