See The Only Purse Museum in America

purse museum

During my travels I’ve experienced all sorts of things that I’d never before contemplate as a single man. Broadening your horizons is good, I suppose? If stepping inside of a museum dedicated to purses isn’t a step outside the comfort zone – I’m not sure what is. Yes, friends – today I went to see Esse Purse Museum – the only purse museum in America.

Located in a section of Little Rock that’s undergone incredible transformation in the last few years is the Esse Purse Museum.  Owner and founder Anita Davis admits she can be a bit compulsive at times – and couldn’t stop buying purses, especially the odd, unique or quirky ones she’d find at thrift stores and antique malls.

The entire Esse Purse Museum collection (one of many collections Davis claims to have) is actually quite a sight to behold. (Even for someone that’s never owned a purse!) Each display case shows purses through the decades including a bit of history and also items that might have been inside those purses at the time they were popular.  It’s not a huge museum by any means but it’s the only purse museum in the United States and only the third in world.

purse museum little rock

Attached to the Esse Purse Museum is a store of higher end purses and accessories including some smaller gifts that allow just about anyone to walk out with something in their price range.

Davis says that even guys will walk into the museum, though usually dragged in by their wife or girlfriend. Even the most skeptical guys (I’ll put myself in that group) will leave the tour amused and informed.  However, let’s not sugar coat it – this is definitely a stop that women will really enjoy.

Ms. Davis is also a major force behind the re-birth of the south main neighborhood of Little Rock, Arkansas though other store owners and residents told me she downplays her role.

Either way, the street is a fun stretch of small businesses and even a beautiful neighborhood garden Davis owns called The Bernice Garden.

Take a quick peek inside the Esse Purse Museum and meet owner Anita Davis in the video below:

Things To See

The Soda Museum: Everything You Need To Know

The Soda Museum in St. Charles, Missouri is the...

How To Take A Tour of The White House

It's the most famous building in the United States...

Dig This Las Vegas: Here’s What You Need To Know

If you're looking for unique things to do that...

5 Quick Reasons To Visit The Hall of Flame Museum

I have a fondness for all things quirky and...

Road Trips

Top 25 Interesting Things To See In Missouri

What is there to do in Missouri? As it...

25 Amazing Small Towns In America You Need To Visit This Year (2024)

The best small towns in America are welcoming, charming...

Utah’s National Parks In Winter: How To See All Five

First of all, this is an extensive (yet simple!)...

Top 20 Amazing Things To Do In The Midwest

Ah, the Midwest. You know, the massive space of...

Visiting Brevard: Everything You Need To Know

Outdoor enthusiasts are well aware that the southwestern region...