Independence, MO — One of Missouri’s most unusual attractions, Leila’s Hair Museum, is preparing to close its doors after more than three decades, as the collection of hair art and celebrity locks finds new homes across the country.
The museum’s closure follows the passing of founder Leila Cohoon, who died last December at the age of 92. For 30 years, Cohoon’s passion for hair’s artistry and history turned a niche interest into a world-famous exhibit, showcasing everything from Victorian hair wreaths to strands belonging to celebrities — and even a lock said to be from Jesus Christ.
A Legacy Rooted in Hair History
According to a recent HuffPost report, the museum has begun the process of re-homing its vast collection, with institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Museum of Funeral History set to receive select pieces.
Leila’s granddaughter, Lindsay Evans, who has overseen the transition, said the process has been bittersweet.
“Every time I come here, I feel her here,” Evans said. “When this is empty, it’ll break my heart a little bit.”
Cohoon’s fascination with hair art began decades ago when she discovered the intricate 19th-century custom of preserving hair in jewelry or framing it in elaborate wreaths as memorials. Her collection grew to include over 2,000 hair wreaths and 600 pieces of hair jewelry, each telling a deeply personal story.
From Celebrities to Centuries Past
Among the museum’s most notable items were locks from Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and Ozzy Osbourne, as well as antique mementos dating back to the Victorian era. Visitors often marveled at how hair — something so common — could be transformed into art and remembrance.
Evans said her grandmother’s dedication extended far beyond collecting.
“If it had hair, she got it,” Evans recalled with a smile.
The museum’s walls, once lined with intricately woven strands and ornate designs, now stand partly bare as curators prepare the pieces for shipment. Each item, Evans said, represents her grandmother’s life’s work and passion.
Preserving a Unique Chapter of American Folk Art
Leila’s Hair Museum opened in 1990 and quickly became a national curiosity, drawing visitors from around the world. Scholars often cited Cohoon’s work as one of the largest and most important private hair art collections in existence.
Cohoon worked tirelessly with antique dealers nationwide, tracking down forgotten pieces of mourning jewelry, family keepsakes, and artistic tributes. Her museum became a living archive of how Americans once used hair as a symbol of love, loss, and memory.
As the remaining displays find new homes, Evans says the effort brings both closure and comfort.
“It’s like she’s still here guiding me,” Evans said. “She would have wanted every piece to be cared for.”
A Fitting Farewell
Though Independence will soon lose one of its quirkiest cultural landmarks, the legacy of Leila’s Hair Museum will live on through the institutions preserving her work. For many who visited over the years, the museum’s message was clear — beauty and memory can be found in the most unexpected places.
What are your thoughts on the closing of this one-of-a-kind museum? Share your views in the comments below.
