Maison Michel Hat Exhibition 'Métamorphoses' Opens at 19M Gallery in Paris

Maison Michel, the respected millinery house, presents 'Métamorphoses,' an exhibition at La Galerie du 19M in Paris that reveals the craftsmanship behind hat-making, from raw material to finished form. Running from September 23 to December 13, 2026, the free show (by reservation) explores how a few centimeters above the face can transform one's entire appearance. The display follows four thematic sections: Origines, Transformation, Métamorphoses, and Accomplissement, tracing the journey from sought-after material to the hand that shapes it, the emerging form, and the final metamorphosis once the hat is worn. Archival pieces and recent collaborations with young designers are placed in dialogue across the rooms. A standout feature is the Weismann machine, restored in 1975, which embodies the house's balance of innovation and tradition, lightness and solidity. Felt and straw are among the materials highlighted, showcasing the savoir-faire of the atelier. Visitors are invited to try on a new version of themselves, with the exhibition encouraging personal reinvention. The venue, La Galerie du 19M, is located at 2 place Skanderbeg, 75019 Paris, near Front Populaire metro station (line 12). Opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 6:30pm, with last entry at 6pm; closed Monday and Tuesday. Entry is free with reservation. The exhibition is listed among free exhibitions and new shows in Paris.