As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam, the Museum of Bags and Purses is conveniently located close to other unique, specialised museums such as De KattenKabinet and the Museum of the Canals. With over 5,000 bags and purses on display, including Margaret Thatcher’s iconic bag and Madonna’s Versace bag, the Museum of Bags and Purses is an attraction that should not be missed by all lovers of handbags and fashionistas around the world. The museum was founded by Hendrikje Ivo, an antique dealer from Amstelveen, and started off as Hendrikje's personal, modest collection before expanding into its current extensive collection of historic but classic bags and purses from around the world. Visitors can learn about the history and development of the modern handbag and purse at this interesting museum, starting from original coin purses dating from the 16th-century to high couture handbags from world class designer brands such as Chanel and Hermès.