There are some museums that are perhaps too niche for some but absolutely fascinating to others. A great example of this is the Museum of Straw and Straw Weaving (Museo della Paglia e dell’Intreccio) in Signa, which celebrates the long tradition of hat-making in Tuscany and in Signa, in particular. For some, that may seem a little too specific and not particularly interesting but serious fashion-lovers who are interested in the incredible history of clothes-making and of trend-setting and style and the vibrant heritage of crafts that are still very much alive in Tuscany, it is sure to be of interest. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence but you're looking for a great day-trip destination then a visit to the pretty town of Signa is a wonderful idea and if you're one of those fashion-obsessed visitors to Florence, the town's history of hat-making and the museum that is dedicated to this heritage is a must-see while there!
The Domenico Michelacci Museum of Straw and Straw Weaving in Signa is located in the municipal building in town that also houses the municipal library and the historical archive. Signa, of course, is the perfect setting for such a museum as this old artisanal tradition dates back centuries upon centuries in the town. In fact, by the 16th century, the weaving of straw had become so refined and perfected in Tuscany that the Grand Duke Cosimo I is known to have sent examples of locally-made hats as gifts to sovereigns of kingdoms all over Europe. By the beginning of the 18th century, the woven goods and hats of Signa had become so sought after that local farmers began producing wheat that was exclusively grown to create straw for hat-making and not for consumption. As a result, Florence and the surrounding area, including Signa, became the biggest producer of quality straw hats in all of western Europe.
The Domenico Michelacci Museum of Straw and Straw Weaving in Signa is located in the municipal building in town that also houses the municipal library and the historical archive. Signa, of course, is the perfect setting for such a museum as this old artisanal tradition dates back centuries upon centuries in the town. In fact, by the 16th century, the weaving of straw had become so refined and perfected in Tuscany that the Grand Duke Cosimo I is known to have sent examples of locally-made hats as gifts to sovereigns of kingdoms all over Europe. By the beginning of the 18th century, the woven goods and hats of Signa had become so sought after that local farmers began producing wheat that was exclusively grown to create straw for hat-making and not for consumption. As a result, Florence and the surrounding area, including Signa, became the biggest producer of quality straw hats in all of western Europe.
Opened in 1997, the museum is dedicated to Domenico Michelacci, who can be called the founding father of the straw and hat industry in Signa. This is because it was Michelacci who first experimented with growing a wheat expressly for weaving and eventually cultivated a strain called, “mazuolo,” in 1718 that was perfect for the job. Marzuolo is a wheat with long bearded ears that is uniform in colour, strength, and pliability and is ideal for creating a straw for plaiting and weaving hats, shoes, baskets, and more when cultivated before maturing fully. This innovation was one of the main driving factors in putting the town on the map as a major centre for weaving and hat production and Michelacci futher created a low-crowned hat that became incredibly trendy among wealthy women who were seeking to emulate a, “country-girl,” look. Later, straw hats and boaters also became fashionable for men as well and Signa became famous as the place from which any well-turned out person procured their hats, right up until the 1950s.
The museum collects, curates, and displays materials, manufacturing equipment, photographs, documents, and completed examples associated with the farming and weaving process in making hats, fashion accessories, and other woven goods. There is a vast array of woven goods from all over the globe and the collection is showcased across several rooms and includes both permanent collections and displays and thematic and temporary exhibitions that change regularly. The most interesting part of the museum for fashion-lovers, however, has to be the collection of hats on display that date from all the way back in the late 19th century to the 1970s.
This little gem is a must-see for those who are truly interested in fashion and design and the history of clothes-making who have found a luxury villa in Florence. Be sure to drop by and learn all about the incredible fashion heritage of Tuscany!
Museo della Paglia e dell’Intreccio,
Via degli Alberti 11,
50058 Signa,
Florence,
Tuscany.
Opening hours:
Monday-Saturday, 9am to 1pm.
