Türkiye Has A Hair Museum, And It's Not As Bizarre As You Think It Is

Hair museum in Türkiye | Türkiye is home to several amazing museums that are well-known for their incredible exhibits. According to Statista, in 2023, there were over 600 museums operating in the country. These museums offer a journey filled with wonder, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship and curation.

In addition to the famous museums, there are several offbeat options that you must visit. Among these hidden gems is the intriguing Chez Galip Hair Museum in Avanos.

The Hair Museum of Avanos

The Hair Museum of Avanos, located in Cappadocia, is considered one of the most intriguing, yet bizarre, museums in the world and is a must-see for anyone interested in unusual tourist attractions. The museum features thousands of preserved hairpieces that cover the walls, many of which are accompanied by notes and photos.

According to the museum's records, it currently houses over 16,000 hair samples, along with the owners' names and addresses, and it is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Twice a year, the first customer in Chez Galip's shop is invited to the Hair Museum to select 10 winners from the hairpieces displayed on the walls. These winners receive a free week-long vacation in Cappadocia, where they can also participate in ceramic workshops.

From A Potter's Studio

Since around 3000 BC, Avanos has been known for its exquisite earthenware crafted from Red River mud. Recently, it has gained fame for the unique hair museum created by Turkish potter Chez Galip. Located beneath his pottery shop, the museum features walls adorned with hair strands from over 16,000 women worldwide, creating a colourful tapestry that tells their stories. Pieces of paper alongside the hair display the names and addresses of the contributors, inviting visitors to explore the connection between artistry, history, and the personal significance of hair.

The museum's story began in 1979 with renowned pottery master Galip Körükçü. When a captivated French tourist left a lock of her hair behind, Galip hung it on the wall, sparking a tradition where many female visitors added their own locks. This evolved the museum into a display of femininity and diversity, showcasing an array of hair in different shades and textures, each representing unique stories and shared experiences from women around the world.

Winning A Free Holiday

Twice a year, in June and December, the first customer to enter Chez Galip's shop is invited to visit the Hair Museum and select ten winners from the walls. These winners receive a week-long, all-expenses-paid vacation in Cappadocia, including free pottery workshops. This initiative honours the women who donated their hair for the museum, which attracts new visitors daily.

The Information | Hair Museum of Türkiye

Price: Entry to the Hair Museum is free, and while women can donate their hair, it’s not required. Scissors, sellotape, pens, paper, and drawing pins are available for those who choose to contribute.

Address: Yukarı, 110. Sk. No: 24, 50500 Avanos/Nevşehir, Türkiye