Arts & Entertainment
'Hats Off To Spring' at the Barnes Museum
Barnes Museum 'Centuries of Hats' exhibit on display through April.
There's something about spring that brings out the fashion bug in everyone.
As temperature warms, it seems colors return to our wardrobe. The Barnes Museum welcomes spring with its own celebration of style during its "Centuries of Hats" exhibit this month.
Throughout each room, hats of all shapes and fashions adorn the furnishings. The exhibit begins in the entrance sun-room or enclosed porch, where straw hats sit playfully upon a child's toy chest and wagon. A wide-brimmed bonnet is wrapped in lavender tulle and conjures up visions of picnic baskets and green grass.
In the parlor, an antique sofa is covered in brightly colored hats. Each headpiece has a unique design and they line the cushions like participants strolling along at an Easter parade.
Silk flowers were often used as ornamentation on hat wear. Netting, fur, feathers and shiny silk threads were also used for formal occasion hats. For cold weather, fabrics like felt and wool were popular.
The idea to display the hats is perfectly timed for the month of April.
"What spring is all about is blooms and the feeling of discovery," said curator Marie Secondo. "A proper lady wouldn't think of leaving the home without her hat and purse. The hat completed the outfit and was an important accessory."
There are 215 hats in the collection that were worn by the Bradley Barnes family. Head fashions were not limited to the Barnes women. Military gear from Civil War, top hats, driving caps, and WWII German helmets show the masculine side of the family.
Illustrations depicting style names and dates of the millinery hang inside room displays. A guided tour is recommended for a more conversational viewing experience.
Admission to the Museum costs $5 for adults, $4 for seniors,$2 for students. Children under 6 are admitted free. There is no additional cost for the exhibit, which runs through April, and appointments are not necessary for parties under 10 people.
Tour hours are Monday through Wednesday and Friday 1 to 5 p.m., Thursday 1 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, April 30, 1 to 5 p.m. For more information or to arrange a tour, call 860-628-5426.
