ESSE Purse Museum
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Experience Type: cultural heritage, museum, offbeat & fun
The ESSE Purse Museum, one of only two purse museums in the world, tells women’s stories through handbags. Founded by Anita Davis, whose collection includes more than 2,000 purses, the museum explores women’s evolving roles, fashion, and culture throughout the 20th century.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- See the Permanent Collection – Explore 250+ purses in “A Century of Women and Handbags 1900–1999,” reflecting women’s evolving style, identity, and changing social roles.
- Discover Temporary Exhibits – Rotating quarterly exhibitions showcase pop culture, milestones, and history. These displays ensure every visit feels new, engaging, and inspiring.
- Learn about Anita Davis – This visionary founder transformed her collection into a museum celebrating handbags as powerful storytelling artifacts of women’s history.
- Browse the ESSE Store – Shop eco-conscious handbags, compact mirrors, brooches, and more. Modern pieces and vintage-inspired designs make this store a fashion-lover’s destination.
- Explore SoMa in Little Rock – Wander South Main’s artsy neighborhood with trendy restaurants, quirky shops, distilleries, and ice cream stops.
Recommended Reading: Keep the fashion inspiration flowing with this gorgeous coffee table book showcasing 400 handbags that shaped the style world. Filled with striking visuals and designer backstories, it’s for anyone who loves iconic accessories.