Museum of Bags and Purses Tours

The Museum of Bags and Purses is the largest exhibition of its type in the world. Located in Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed Canal District, the museum boasts a 4,000-strong collection of items that trace the history of western accessories from the 16th century to the present day. Browse to your heart’s content, then treat yourself to High Tea.

The Basics
As you wander the museum’s four floors, look out for designs by Chanel, Gucci, and Judith Leiber, as well as older pieces that reveal the humble bag’s functional history. The Museum of Bags and Purses also serves High Tea in its Golden Age–style dining rooms.

Book your museum ticket in advance to secure hassle-free entry. Or, if you’re doing lots of sightseeing, purchase a city pass that includes entrance to the Museum of Bags and Purses and other Amsterdam attractions, such as the Van Gogh Museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Museum of Bags and Purses is likely to fascinate fashionistas and lovers of social history.
• The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
• Free lockers, a gift shop, a temporary exhibition space, and a tea room are available on-site.

How to Get There
Located in the Canal District, the museum is easy to reach on foot or by metro, tram, or bike. The Rembrandtplein tram stop is about a 2-minute walk away, and the Waterlooplein metro station is about five minutes from the museum. City passes sometimes include unlimited use of hop-on hop-off buses or public transit. Some cruise tours and hop-on hop-off boats also stop nearby.

When to Get There
The museum is open from 10am to 5pm, every day except January 1, April 27, and December 25. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the free lockers to store wet umbrellas on a rainy day.

Culture in the Canals
The smaller museums dotted all around the Canal District offer a more relaxed alternative to the capital’s main attractions. A short walk east along Herengracht will bring you to the Willet-Holthuysen Museum, known for its striking period features; a short walk west reveals the more unusual Cat Cabinet, Costume Museum, and Museum of the Canals.