Hat exhibition attracts with virtual reality

The Nový Jičín Visitor Center – the city of hats completed a significant modernization of its interactive hat exhibition in 2024, which is located on the first floor of the Visitor Center building. This modernization, carried out thanks to the support of the Moravian-Silesian Region, brings visitors an even more engaging view of the long-standing tradition of hatmaking in Nový Jičín, whose origins date back to 1630, when the articles of the hatters' guild were confirmed.

The main innovation is the introduction of virtual reality, which has attracted a lot of attention. Thanks to VR glasses, visitors can be transported directly to the TONAK hat factory and watch the entire production process with their own eyes. This unique experience allows you to look behind the scenes of one of the most important hat companies, which is normally inaccessible for security reasons. The new technology includes special stands with seats, VR glasses
and a programmed virtual environment that enhances the interactive impression of the entire exhibition.

In addition to this novelty, the exhibition continues to offer popular activities, such as the opportunity to play
a fashion designer, decorate your own mini hat or try on more than 400 different
headwear. Visitors will also gain information about the technological process of hat production and discover the rich history of hat making in the Novojičín region.

The modernization, implemented with the support of the Moravian-Silesian Region, not only brought the history of the
hat making craft closer in a modern way, but also significantly increased the attractiveness of the exhibition
as a unique tourist destination in the region.

The implementation of virtual reality was co-financed from the budget of the Moravian-Silesian Region.