The Museum of Bags and Purses in Amsterdam (Tassenmuseum)
With a collection of over 4,000 bags and purses, the Museum of Bags and Purses in Amsterdam (Tassenmuseum) provides a historical overview of the history women’s bags in the West. The 4,000 bags are spread over three floors, and starts from the first floor, where you will get to see interesting articles such as a bag which dates back from to the 16th century.
How it all started
The museum started with Hendrikje Ivo (1936), who had a great passion for all kind of bags. Her interest started when she was in England and found a leather handbag dating back to 1820 with tortoiseshell capping. Even since she saw this bag, she started to collect all kind of handbags and purses. After 35 years of collecting bags and purses she had a collection of over 4,000. A quarter of the 4,000 bags are donations, and therefore the museum comprises bags from all over the world, each with their own unique story. In April 1996, Hendrikje Ivo decided to open a museum in her own home in a town called Amstelveen. After 10 years, this space became too small for the growing collection of bags and the increasing flow of visitors. In 2007, she was able to relocate to Amsterdam.
Collection
The collection includes tie pockets, bridal bags, reticules, coin purses, evening bags, school bags and bags from well-known designers such as Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel.
Practical Information
Where: Herengracht, 573. Amsterdam.
When: the museum is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm.
How much: entrance costs € 8,50.
How to get to the museum by public transport:
– From Amsterdam CS: tram 9, Rembrandtplein stop.Then walk to Herengracht.
– Trams 4, 16, 24 and 25; Vijzelstraat stop.
– Metro 51, 53 and 54; Waterlooplein stop.
Sebastian – Marketing Team
