Situated in a canal house built in 1664 for the the mayor of Amsterdam, the Tassenmuseum (Museum of Bags and Purses) contains the world’s largest collection of handbags on display. Dating back 500 years, the collection encompasses the history of women’s handbags, up to and including contemporary designers like Louis Vuitton and Chanel.
The museum started as the private collection of Hendrikje Ivo, who collected bags for more than 35 years. After discovering a leather handbag from 1820 with tortoiseshell capping near Norwich, England. Because of the beauty of the bag, her interest in bags was aroused, and she started conducting research into the bag and its history.
Ivo’ collection expanded over the 35 years that she collected bags. Today, the collection entails over 4000 bags, pouches, purses, suitcases and other accessories dating from the 16th century to the present day.
The museum houses is also an excellent display of canal house architecture, with two rooms with painted ceilings and chimney paintings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Restored in 2007, there is also a beautiful garden accented with (what else?) handbag themed garden ornaments.
The Tassenmuseum
Herengracht 573
1017 Amsterdam, Netherlands
020 5246452
http://www.tassenmuseum.nl/
Hours:
Open daily from 10AM-5PM
Admission:
Adults: €7.50
65+ and students: €6
Children (13-18): €4
Children (12 and under): Free
Free with I Amsterdam card
