Museum of Bags and Purses

Located in the rather high-profile end of the lovely Herengracht canal, the Museum of Bags and Purses stands as a tribute to this classic ladies' fashion accessory. Also known as Tassenmuseum Hendrikje in the local language, the museum exhibits a collection of bags and purses--some centuries old--and others by various designers, most of whom are Dutch.

How it Started

The story of how the Museum of Bags and Purses came about is quite interesting. More than 30 years ago a lady named Hendrikje Ivo, an antique dealer, came across a purse dating back to 1820. Dazzled by its beauty, she decided to buy it. Over the years--helped by her husband and daughter--Mrs. Ivo collected about 3000 purses. One day she got the idea of displaying her collection to other people. And the rest, as they say, is history.

The Museum

The museum itself gives one a feel of entering a high-end boutique fashion shop somewhere in Paris. Air-conditioned rooms, a reception area, and all the limelight focused on purses and handbags, nestled inside pristine glass cases. The museum's exhibition takes you through over five centuries of innovation in design of purses and handbags, since the Middle Ages. How the designs changed, which materials were used in the old days, all this can be learned from this tour. Once you're done with the tour, you can enjoy a nice afternoon tea in the museum café. Or you could take a souvenir for home from the museum shop. Being the Museum for Bags and Purses, no stretch of imagination needed to guess the kind of souvenirs available.

Opening Times

Monday till Sunday: 10 am till 5 pm.