Independence, Missouri, October 6, 2025
News Summary
Leila’s Hair Museum in Independence, Missouri has permanently closed after almost 70 years of showcasing the unique art of hair. Founded by Leila Cohoon in 1986, the museum had a vast collection of over 3,000 artifacts including hair wreaths and jewelry, some made from the hair of celebrities. Cohoon passed away in late 2024, prompting the family’s decision to close the museum and relocate its collection to various institutions across the U.S.
Independence, Missouri – Leila’s Hair Museum has closed its doors permanently as of September 30, 2025, after nearly 70 years of celebrating the unique art form of hair. The museum, renowned globally, was the only one of its kind, dedicated to showcasing hair art and Victorian mourning jewelry since its establishment in 1986 by Leila Cohoon.
Cohoon, who passed away in November 2024 at the age of 92, developed a fascination with hair in the 1950s after acquiring an antique hair wreath, which later led her to collect vast amounts of hairwork. The museum featured over 3,000 artifacts, including more than 400 wreaths and over 2,000 pieces of hair jewelry made from human hair. A significant portion of the collection included hair from celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon, and Ronald Reagan, in addition to purported strands from the Virgin Mary and Jesus.
Hairwork, a craft that flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries, was usually created by women in private settings. This background resulted in a lack of respect for the art form, causing it to fade in prominence over time. Nevertheless, Cohoon’s collection gained national recognition, attracting visits from notable figures such as Ozzy Osbourne and Mike Rowe, and featuring in well-known publications including Travel & Leisure.
In the wake of Cohoon’s death, her family made the difficult decision to close the museum. They are working diligently to ensure that the extensive collection will be relocated and displayed across various museums in the United States. Cohoon’s four grandchildren have engaged in discussions with over 40 institutions, such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, to facilitate the transition of these artifacts into new homes.
So far, approximately 300 pieces from the museum have been earmarked for donation to different institutions, while some select pieces will be retained by family members as personal keepsakes. Cohoon’s contributions to the art of hairwork include co-founding the Independence College of Cosmetology, significantly influencing the resurgence of hairwork as a respected art form. Visitors to the museum often expressed admiration for the intricate detail and historical significance of the hair art on display, which represents deep familial connections and narratives beyond mere aesthetics.
Leila’s Hair Museum earned a reputation as one of America’s strangest attractions, emphasizing the unique and often overlooked craftsmanship involved in hair art.
Key Features of Leila’s Hair Museum
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1986 |
| Founder | Leila Cohoon |
| Closing Date | September 30, 2025 |
| Total Artifacts | Over 3,000 |
| Hair Wreaths | 400+ |
| Hair Jewelry Pieces | 2,000+ |
| Celebrity Hair | Included hair from figures like Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and John Lennon. |
| Future of Collection | Pieces being relocated to other museums across the country; some kept by family members. |
FAQ
When did Leila’s Hair Museum close?
Leila’s Hair Museum closed its doors permanently on September 30, 2025.
What was unique about Leila’s Hair Museum?
The museum was the only one of its kind in the world, showcasing hair art and Victorian mourning jewelry.
Who founded the museum?
Leila’s Hair Museum was founded by Leila Cohoon in 1986.
How many artifacts were in the museum?
The museum featured over 3,000 artifacts, including over 400 wreaths and more than 2,000 pieces of hair jewelry made from human hair.
What notable displays did the museum feature?
Notable displays included hair from celebrities like Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon, Ronald Reagan, and even purported strands from the Virgin Mary and Jesus.
What is the future of the museum’s collection?
Following Cohoon’s passing, her family decided to work on relocating the collection to various museums across the country. Approximately 300 pieces have already been earmarked for donation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Fox4 Kansas City
- Wikipedia: Hair Art
- KMBC Kansas City
- Google Search: Leila’s Hair Museum
- Atlas Obscura
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Leila Cohoon
- KCTV5
- Google News: Leila’s Hair Museum closure
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
