Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel
Arte popolare napoletana
Permanent exhibition
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel
Today: 10.00 AM - 6.00 PM
19 October 2019 - 05 April 2020
History of a timeless accessory
This popular women’s accessory can be big or small, soft or hard, carried by a handle or slung over the shoulder on a strap. Adorned with splendid gold chains or simple and elegant – the handbag.
Bags have not always been cult objects for women only. In earlier times, both men and women carried pouches and bags. It was customary and practical to wear bags on belts or even as pouches slung around the waist under outer garments.
During the course of fashion history, the unisex bag gradually transformed into the handbag exclusively for female use. When close-fitting chemise dresses made of gauzy muslin came out, there was no choice other than to carry the pouch in the hand or on the arm.
It was not until 1875 that a handbag with a handle was introduced. Women quickly got used to always carrying a bag with a handle.
It was in the 20th century that handbags experienced their great boom. Bags such as the so-called Kelly bag became absolute cult objects and icons. Some of the greatest and most influential bag designers, including Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Gucci and Prada, started in the saddler business and originally produced luxury travel luggage.
The fact that the handbag became known as a symbol of femininity and an object of female desire had a lot to do with fashion staging.
Throughout history, one thing has remained the same: the handbag is a very personal object. It is a container that we use to keep and carry items that belong to us.
This exhibition with around 400 items provides insight into the history of handbags beginning from 1550, when they were made of fabric, tapestry, pearls and leather. The journey ends with exclusive and offbeat catwalk bags by contemporary designers and artists, including pieces from the hip Úna Burke, playful objects by Stasha Chimbur and luxurious bags by Ming Ray of London. The exhibition is rounded off with handbag art objects, such as the work made from alabaster by Barbara Ségal or that of Dutch conceptual artist Ted Noten, both unique pieces.
In cooperation with Liza Snook from the Virtual Shoe Museum in The Hague, works by over 40 renowned designers and artists from 14 countries can be seen in Basel, as well as loans from private collectors, galleries and two museums from the Netherlands. Among them some exquisite bags from the Tassenmuseum Amsterdam.
In short, this exhibition is heaven on earth for handbag lovers and can only be seen in Basel.
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel
OpenClosed |
Steinenvorstadt 1, 4051 Basel
Opening Hours
Museum, Ristorante and Boutique:
Tue. to Sun. from 10 to 18, in December, daily from 10 to 18
09 May 2024: 10.00 AM - 6.00 PM
20 May 2024: 10.00 AM - 6.00 PM
31 July 2024: 10.00 AM - 4.00 PM
01 August 2024: Closed
24 December 2024: 10.00 AM - 4.00 PM
25 December 2024: Closed
26 December 2024: Closed
31 December 2024: 10.00 AM - 4.00 PM
01 January 2025: Closed
Institution
Toy Worlds Museum Basel
With over 1,000 m2 on four levels, the museum is one of a kind in Europe. lt is located at the heart of downtown Basel and houses the largest collection of antique teddy bears in the world, together with historic dolls, toy grocery stores, dollhouses, carousels, and contemporary miniatures. Visitors from around the world come to marvel at the museum. Special exhibitions on select, fascinating topics are always being featured at the museum. Your own smartphone or tablet can be used as an interactive museum guide. ln-house Wi-Fi makes this service free of charge.
Admission
Museums-PASS-Musées Free admission
Swiss Museum Pass Free admission
Access
Accessibility
Shop
T.: +41 61 225 95 95
Restaurant
Risotrante La Sosta
T.: +41 61 225 95 59
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel
Permanent exhibition
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel
Permanent exhibition
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel
08 March 2024 - 27 October 2024
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel
05 May 2024 | 10.00 AM - 4.00 PM
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel
22 May 2024 | 2.00 PM - 5.00 PM
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel
04 May 2024 | 2.00 PM - 3.00 PM
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel
01 June 2024 | 2.00 PM - 3.00 PM