Museo Borsalino Opens in Alessandria Celebrating 166 Years of Hat-Making

On April 4, 2023, the Museo Borsalino opened in Alessandria, Italy, marking 166 years since Giuseppe Borsalino founded the hat-making company in 1857. The museum occupies the historic Palazzo Borsalino on corso Cento Cannoni, designed by Arnaldo Gardella, previously home to the University of Eastern Piedmont and an earlier exhibition space. The 620-square-meter space includes 340 square meters of exhibition area, a café, and a gift shop. The museum's three thematic areas—Antica Casa, Manifattura, and Galleria—trace the company's history, production processes, and showcase over 2,000 hats from the historic collection donated by Giovanna Usuelli Borsalino in 1994 plus 200 new acquisitions from Fondazione Borsalino. The Galleria features eight narrative paths, including legendary Panama hats and famous film appearances. Architect Ignazio Gardella's original display cases for the Sala Campioni Borsalino are highlighted with new lighting. Mayor Giorgio Abonante emphasized the museum's role in strengthening the bond between Alessandria and Borsalino, while Fondazione Borsalino president Philippe Camperio stated the museum will inspire the company's future. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm, with special hours for Easter Monday and May 1.