Esse Purse Museum

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1510 Main St
Little Rock, AR 72202
Dedicated purse museums in the world are rare jewels of history: Amsterdam, Seoul and Little Rock claim the distinction of being home to the three brick-and-mortar galleries in existence. ESSE Purse Museum at 1510 Main in the SoMa district of Little Rock opened its doors in late June 2013 to share what's inside the fabulous exhibit featuring over 500 artifacts. More than a fashion history, the museum showcases a compelling narrative of the 20th-century American woman - decade by decade - through the bags she carried and the contents within. The delightful displays of purses are complemented by carefully selected items women from each era carried - true history held in a handbag. Small photos in the displays and enormous backlit photos on the north wall show real women with their personal bags. Three cozy dioramas - "Nothing's More Natural Than Skin," "By Land, Sea or Air" and "A Night on the Town" - feature specialty purses, and a large, whimsical art installation addresses the essence of a woman, her handbag and the contents within. ESSE, which grew out of a traveling exhibit selected from owner Anita Davis' extensive collection of bags, is a privately-owned museum housed in a historic building in an up-and-coming, hip neighborhood, close to other world famous attractions like Central High School (the only school that is a national park) and the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park. More than just a trip down memory lane or history lesson, ESSE Purse Museum is a don't-miss experience. Museum hours are 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10, $8 for students (6-18), seniors (60 and up) and military. Children 5 and younger are free. Call for group rates and special tours.

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Reviews

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5.042 reviews
Photo of Raven T.
Raven T.
3/28/2022

I love handbags. Ever since I can remember I've been carrying one. It was the one thing I wanted every Christmas and every birthday without fail. So when I saw this museum I knew I had to stop...

Photo of Catherine M.
Catherine M.
10/21/2023

Interesting place to visit Not very large but gives a nice view of purses through the decades from 1900 - 1990s. Also some fun vintage cosmetics and the like. $10 self guided tour. The gift...

Photo of Cathy F.
Cathy F.
10/9/2024

Fantastic small museum in downtown Little Rock. My mom and I both loved it. Very well done and fun exhibits by decades. Also has a store. Walking distance to several restaurants.

Photo of Holly H.
Holly H.
12/22/2022

I was so excited to come here! I didn't know you had to pay, though so I was a little disappointed, but the purses they had here are very unique. It was too expensive for me but beautiful to look at.

Photo of Gabriella S.
Gabriella S.
6/18/2024

I absolutely LOVED this museum! Our Uber driver recommended it to us on a girls trip to Little Rock. We are so glad we stopped in! Super informative, a lot to see and look at, and not too crowded....

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Red Door Gallery

Red Door Gallery is located across the street from its original location- which opened twenty seven years ago. Located at 3715 JFK Boulevard in the Historic Park Hill District, Red Door Gallery is still serving loyal customers almost three decades later. A custom frame shop, Red Door Gallery also carried a few print items as well. A transformation was around the corner, when Melody and Steve Stanley dreamed of owning an art gallery. After the purchase, Steve suggested that Red Door Gallery should only sell original art. This dream came true in March of 2006 after the two purchased Red Door Gallery, and transformed the print shop into an original art gallery. Since this purchase, the amount of business has grown exponentially and the customer base has expanded as well. Melody can be found at the gallery daily, assisting customers and making plans for the gallery's receptions and community charity donations. Since the Stanley's arrival, Red Door Gallery now offers only original art work. Several artists from Arkansas as well as artists from Le Mans, France and Barcelona ( both whose work is exclusively sold in the United States at Red Door Gallery ) are featured in the gallery presently. New works are accepted weekly from artists, so be sure there will always be something new in the gallery. Each piece of art you find in Red Door Gallery is one of a kind. From oversized canvases to original blown glass chandeliers, whatever you are searching for to satisfy a hunger for art, you can find at Red Door Gallery. Traditional and contemporary art lovers will discover desired one-of-a-kind accessories to complete anyones dream home. Red Door Gallery offers framing options from the best distributors in the market including Larson-Juhl, Studio and Bella. There is also a variety of matting choices to choose from. An array of silk, suede, paper, linen and leather acid free mats are available to create the perfect combination. All of the materials used by Red Door Gallery are acid free and conservation materials. Shadowboxes and larger frames for canvases are also available to suit your unique taste. With so many choices, you can create a unique framing ensemble to adorn your walls and inspire the curiosity of your friends.
United StatesArkansasLittle RockEsse Purse Museum

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