Museu da Chapelaria
Museum set up in the former hat factory of São João da Madeira, with machines, tools and testimonies from workers.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museu da Chapelaria is housed in the former building of the Empresa Industrial de Chapelaria, founded in 1914 and known in the town as the “Fábrica Nova” (New Factory). In 1996 the Municipality of São João da Madeira acquired the industrial collection of several closed factories and the building itself, where the museum would later be installed.
For about a decade, multidisciplinary teams studied this industry, and the rehabilitation of the building was financed by European funds. The museum opened on 22 June 2005 and has been part of the Rede Portuguesa de Museus since 2010. In 2023 it received support from the ProMuseus programme to improve accessibility and inclusion, which led to the temporary closure of the permanent exhibition; the museum reopened on 25 January 2025.
The long-term exhibition presents, across three floors, seven areas that correspond to the stages of making a hat, with the machines and tools of each stage, the respective raw materials and testimonies of former workers. The visit is designed as a multisensory experience, with materials that can be seen and touched and with the sounds of machines in operation. The museum also serves as a starting point for routes through the industrial heritage of the municipality and the region.
Highlights
- Original machines and tools of the former factory
- Seven areas following the making of a hat
- Testimonies from former hat-industry workers
- Route with materials to touch and the sounds of machines
- Restaurant and shop with felt hats
Permanent exhibition
- Do pelo ao chapéu. O mundo mágico dos chapéus – Route through seven areas on three floors covering the stages of making a hat, with machines, tools, raw materials and testimonies from former workers.
- Founded
- 2005
- Operated by
- Câmara Municipal de São João da Madeira
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | –50% discount on the free-admission price for seniors (including the Cartão Sénior Municipal) and holders of the Cartão Jovem. |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 12 · Free admission up to age 12, outside school visits or organised groups. |
| Seniors | –50% discount on the free-admission price. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with a disability of 60% or more, with one companion when essential to the visit. |
| Groups (5+ people) | €4 per personGuided visit, for groups of at least 5 people. |
| Guided visit (groups of at least 5 people) | €4 |
| Two-space ticket (partnership with the Museu do Calçado, the Centro de Arte Oliva and industrial tourism) | €4Free admission. |
| Three-space ticket (partnership with the Museu do Calçado, the Centro de Arte Oliva and industrial tourism) | €5Free admission. |
Free admission: Sunday mornings, free self-guided visit.
The €3 ticket includes the temporary exhibitions. Free admission, with proof, is also available to natives and residents of São João da Madeira, former workers of the hat industry and members of various museum associations.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
All areas and the outdoor car park are accessible to people with reduced mobility; wheelchairs are available on loan, with content in Braille and tactile paving.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 12 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
- Kids’ birthday parties
On the first Sunday of each month there are free activities for families, with prior registration. There are workshops for children and birthday parties for those aged 4 to 11.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
There are bus connections from Porto to the Centro Coordenador de Transportes of São João da Madeira.
By car
Free parking
- Accessible parking
Free car park next to the museum.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
The restaurant “O Boinas” operates in the museum; the shop is at reception.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
Up to 100 guests.
Auditorium with 100 seats and spaces in the restaurant and café.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The audio guide is accessed by scanning a QR code with your mobile phone. Guided visits and themed visits for groups and schools are arranged by prior booking with the educational service. |
