Exploring the ESSE Purse Museum (Little Rock, Arkansas)

If you’re planning a trip to Little Rock, Arkansas, and looking for something unique, the ESSE Purse Museum is a must-see. This quirky museum is all about handbags—the fashion history, yes, but also the cultural significance. The purses and their contents tell the story of the 20th-century woman.

The ESSE Purse Museum in Little Rock is the only purse museum in the US and one of only three worldwide (the others are in Seoul and Amsterdam). It began as a traveling exhibit and eventually found a permanent museum home in Little Rock.

Read Next: Touring the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock

Fun Fact: The name “ESSE” comes from the Latin word for “to be,” which feels so fitting for this museum. At ESSE, a purse isn’t just a place to stash your stuff—it’s a little glimpse into someone’s world, a reflection of their personality, and a snapshot of what makes them, them.

What’s Inside: A Century of Women and Handbags

The main exhibit guides you through the decades, from the 1900s through the 1990s. Each era has a beautifully curated display case filled with women’s purses and everyday essentials. Each case also has a sign with some history for added context. Amazingly, something as simple as a handbag can capture changing trends and attitudes over the years!

For example, in the 1910s, earthy colors reflected the somber mood of WWI, and bags of the happier 1920s Jazz Age were splashed with sequins, beads, and colorful Art Deco designs.

In the 1950s, women’s styles were often influenced by television icons and fashion magazines and in the 1970s peace, love and flower power met the disco age.

The Unexpected Details

One of the most interesting parts of the ESSE Purse Museum is that each display features things women carried in their purses at the time—everything from compacts and cigarette cases to ration books and fans. These details make each exhibit feel even more relatable.

Other Exhibits at the ESSE Purse Museum

Aside from the main display of purses through the decades, ESSE always has a few rotating exhibits that spotlight different themes in fashion and women’s lives. These special exhibits change a few times a year, so you’ll almost always see something fresh and unique. Here’s a peek at some of the exhibits I caught during my visit:

Bags from Skins

This exhibit highlighted bags crafted from various animal skins, showcasing the artistry and unique textures of these materials—always a point of fascination (and sometimes debate) in fashion history.

Black Glamour

This exhibit was a tribute to the style choices of everyday black women through time.

Travel Bags

This display looked back at the bags women packed when they were on the move—everything from dainty train cases to big, sturdy suitcases.

Evening Bags

This dazzling exhibit highlighted evening bags through the ages, showcasing the glitzy little clutches and purses that once completed every night-out look.

The Secret History of Home Economics

This exhibit explored how home economics (or domestic science) shaped society through the decades and the role women played in managing households, from cooking and cleaning to sewing and beyond.

Interactive Exhibit: Weigh Your Own Purse

This one’s a permanent favorite! You can actually weigh your own purse here to see if you’re carrying too much. It’s a fun, hands-on part of the museum, and it’s kind of surprising to find out just how heavy your daily essentials really are.

More Arkansas Travel