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Former Collection of Museum of Bags and Purses
  • The Collection
  • The founders
  • The former Museum
    • About the former museum
    • Cultural entrepreneurship
    • Exhibitions
    • Nominations
  • About us
  • Articles
  • Press
  • Contact
  • New location
Former Collection of Museum of Bags and Purses

Discover the Collection

The former Museum of Bags and Purses (Tassenmuseum Hendrikje) had the largest and rarest collection of bags, purses and accessories in the world. Covid closed the museum doors in 2020. The collection of more than 5000 items now continues as the Ivo Collection, named for Hendrikje and Heinz Ivo, the museum founders. The collection, which is praised for its quality, diversity and uniqueness gives an unparalleled overview of the history of bags and purses from the 16th century until now.

We are looking for a new place for this collection. Please enjoy browsing and discovering this magnificent collection.

Masterpieces

Masterpieces

Tortoise, Ivory, mother-of pearl and their Imitations

Tortoise, Ivory, mother-of pearl and their Imitations

Embroidery, cloth and lace

Embroidery, cloth and lace

Mesh and metalwork

Mesh and metalwork

Special kind of leathers

Special kind of leathers

Beadwork

Beadwork

1400-1600s: Bags Hanging From the Girdle

1400-1600s: Bags Hanging From the Girdle

1700s: Chatelaines and Thigh Pockets

1700s: Chatelaines and Thigh Pockets

1800s: Industrial Revolution - New Times, New Bags

1800s: Industrial Revolution - New Times, New Bags

1950-2000: Practical Shoulder Bags

1950-2000: Practical Shoulder Bags

1900-1950: a Different Bag for Each Time of the Day 

1900-1950: a Different Bag for Each Time of the Day 

2000s: Brands

2000s: Brands

Designer purses

Designer purses

Contemporary designers

Contemporary designers

Royal bags

Royal bags

Celebrity bags

Celebrity bags

Plastic Fantastic

Plastic Fantastic

Unusual Designs

Unusual Designs

Chatelaine and chatelaine-purses

Chatelaine and chatelaine-purses

Beasty bags

Beasty bags

Natural materials and imitations

Natural materials and imitations

Accessories are a Girl's Best Friend

Accessories are a Girl's Best Friend

Stories behind

Stories behind

Novelties and new materials

Novelties and new materials

The Museum Founders' Favorite Purses

The Museum Founders' Favorite Purses

Souvenirs

Souvenirs

It Takes Two to Match

It Takes Two to Match

Night creatures: the evening bag

Night creatures: the evening bag

Handbag humor

Handbag humor

Baggage

Baggage

About the museum

The former museum was based in Amsterdam. The collection held around 5000 bags and purses. Currently the museum is looking for a new place to reside.

More information

Index

- The collection
- Former museum
- About us
- New location?
- Articles
- Press
- Contact
  • The Collection
  • The founders
  • The former Museum
    • About the former museum
    • Cultural entrepreneurship
    • Exhibitions
    • Nominations
  • About us
  • Articles
  • Press
  • Contact
  • New location