Most Arkansasians Have Never Heard Of This Fascinating Purse Museum

As far as fascinating museums go, the ESSE Purse Museum has got it in the bag! A rare find, it’s one of only a few museums in the world that’s dedicated to purses. Its uniqueness is just one reason to visit, though. You’ll find 500+ reasons inside. (Yes, that’s right; the museum houses more than 500 artifacts!)

The ESSE Purse Museum is in the fabulously fun and funky SoMa district of Little Rock. There are only three brick-and-mortar purse museums in the world.

There’s one in Amsterdam, one in Seoul, and, since 2013, one in Little Rock.

Wowing visitors since day one (and rightfully so), the museum houses over 500 artifacts!

The purses are organized by decade, offering visitors a fashion history lesson like no other.

But the museum is about more than fashion.

Its informative exhibits tell the story of the 20th century woman – decade by decade – through the bags she carried and the contents commonly stored inside.

The displays are further complemented by photos, accessories, and more.

You can do more than admire purses at the museum, though.

Thanks to an attached retail store, you can buy some bags, too!

Well, what do you think? Are you ready to pay a visit to one of Arkansas' most fascinating hidden gems? Remember, the ESSE Purse Museum is open Tuesday - Sunday and by appointment on Monday. For more information, call the ESSE Purse Museum at (501) 916-9022. You can also visit the museum’s website or Facebook page.

So, did you know about this fascinating museum? Ever visited? If so, what’d you think? Know of another lesser-known museum? Tell us!

This is easily one of the best museums in Arkansas, but it’s not the only worthwhile museum in the state. Click here to read about eight museums that are too weird for words.