The Esse Purse Museum
The Esse Purse Museum in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a must-see if you want to see something different and interesting at a museum. This one-of-a-kind museum is all about the history and development of purses. It gives visitors a deep look at how social, cultural, and technological changes have changed this important accessory over time.
The Esse Purse Museum opened in 2013 in Little Rock’s SoMa (South Main) district. It was started by Anita Davis, who has been collecting purses and other fashion accessories for as long as she can remember. Davis had built up a large collection of purses over the years, and she wanted to show the world how much she loved them. She had an idea for a museum that would show not only how beautiful and well-made purses are, but also the stories of the women who carried them.
The purses in the museum’s collection go back as far as the 1600s and are still being used today. Each exhibit is put together with care to show how the design, materials, and craftsmanship of each time period were different. People can see everything from Victorian-era beaded bags to sleek, modern clutches from the 21st century.
One of the best things about the Esse Purse Museum is the way it changes its displays. These exhibits each focus on a different theme or part of purse history and change every few months, so each time people come they can see and learn something new and interesting. “What’s Inside: A Century of Women and Handbags, 1900–1999” and “Hollywood Glam: From Downton to Gatsby” are two examples of shows that have been shown in the past.
The museum also has a hands-on exhibit called “The Power of the Purse,” which looks at how purses have changed women’s lives over time. This exhibit shows purses that were important to women’s rights movements, like the “Reproductive Freedom” purse from the 1970s, which had a coat hanger symbol to protest anti-abortion laws. The show also has purses that have been used to carry important things, like Jane Goodall’s “Jungle Bag,” which she used to study chimpanzees.
The Esse Purse Museum has a large collection of purses and also hosts a number of programs and events throughout the year. Some of these things are guided tours, workshops on making purses, and talks about fashion, history, and women’s issues. Special events at the museum, like “Handbag Happy Hour” and “A Night at the Museum,” give people a chance to meet new people and see the museum after hours.
Since it opened, the Esse Purse Museum has won many awards. CNN named it one of the “Top 10 Fashion Museums in the World,” and the Arkansas Times called it the “Best Little Museum in Arkansas.” People love how different and interesting the museum’s displays are, as well as how knowledgeable and friendly the staff is.
The fact that the Esse Purse Museum focuses on women’s history and gives them power is one of the things that makes it so unique. Through its exhibits and programs, the museum celebrates the important role that purses have played in women’s lives and highlights the stories of women who have used purses to make a statement or effect change. The museum’s mission is to inspire visitors to think about the significance of everyday objects in our lives and to recognize the power that women have had in shaping fashion and culture throughout history.
Overall, the Esse Purse Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in fashion, history, or women’s issues. Its interesting exhibits and unique collection of purses show how this important accessory has changed over time. Its focus on women’s history and empowerment makes it a truly unique and inspiring place to visit. The Esse Purse Museum is a great place for people of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in fashion or just want to have a fun and educational time at a museum.
Because the museum is in Little Rock’s SoMa district, visitors can also check out the city’s lively arts and culture scene. SoMa has a lot of art galleries, shops, restaurants, and bars, so it’s a great place to go out for the day or night. People can also take a walk through the nearby MacArthur Park, which has a beautiful pond, a historic train station, and a number of sculptures outside.
The Esse Purse Museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and costs $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, students, and military personnel. Children under five are admitted for free. For those who want a more personalized experience, the museum also has group rates and private tours.
In conclusion, the Esse Purse Museum is a one-of-a-kind and interesting place where people can learn about the history and development of purses. The museum is a must-see for anyone who is interested in fashion, history, or women’s issues. It has interesting exhibits, interactive programs, and a focus on women’s history and empowerment. So, if you’re ever in Little Rock, make sure to visit the Esse Purse Museum for a truly unforgettable museum experience.