The Hendrikje Museum of Bags and Purses displays the history of the western ladies bag from the late Middle Ages up to the present day. It is the only museum in the world with such a comprehensive and specialized collection: 16th century handbags; 17th century pouches and alms bags; 18th century pockets, purses and chatelaine bags; 19th century reticules and stocking purses, and from the 20th and 21st centuries, well-known brands of design bags, evening bags, special models and contemporary bags.

The collection

The museum manages a collection of more than 4000 bags, pouches, cases, purses and accessories. This collection demonstrates that the bag exists in a wide variety of forms, functions, materials and decorations. Societal developments and styles in art and fashion have influenced the bag throughout the centuries.

The collection has been praised both at home and abroad for its diversity and quality. The museum assists nationally and internationally on exhibitions, and it is considered one of the top eight fashion museums in the world.

Temporary exhibitions

As well as the permanent, historical collection, various themed exhibitions are organized in the museum. Additionally, the museum organizes exhibitions of contemporary designers from Holland and overseas. In this way, the museum gives the - often young - designers the chance to be seen by a broad audience.

The history of the museum

The museum developed from the private collection of Hendrikje Ivo, who collected bags for more than 35 years. What started out as a personal fascination has become an extensive collection that was exhibited in Amstelveen for 10 years. In 2007, the museum moved to its present location in Amsterdam.

Historical building

The Hendrikje Museum of Bags and Purses is located in an imposing historical building on the Herengracht, built in 1664 for the mayor of Amsterdam at that time. It forms part of a row of four buildings built around the same time, sharing the same cornice and having the same layout. This is unique for buildings in the ring of canals (de grachtengordel) in Amsterdam. The museum houses two period rooms with painted ceilings and chimney paintings dating from the 17th- and 18th centuries.

The whole building was restored in 2007. The classical details have been combined with modern
design ina stylish manner. The atmospheric museum café is situated at the rear of the building,
offering a view of the museum’s historical garden.

Museum shop and web shop

The museum shop has a wide range of bags from both Dutch and foreign designers, as well as a varied stock of postcards, books and gift articles. Some of the stock can be ordered via the museum website.

For more information see www.tassenmuseum.nl