Four ways to look

Small things,
many stories.

Explore the materials, characters and clever ideas that give toys their lasting fascination.

03COLLECTION THEMES
04

themes for curious eyes

WOOD · FIGURE · PLAY · MOTION

The collection themes

Each theme is an invitation to notice a different part of toy-making—from a natural material to a miniature world in motion.

Handmade wooden pull-along duck, stacking rings and spinning top on a cream tabletop.

01 · Grain & gesture

Wooden toys

Wood can be turned, carved, joined and painted into a remarkable range of forms. This theme celebrates the warmth of natural grain and the quiet resourcefulness of toys made to be held, rolled or set in motion.

Carved forms · Pull toys · Spinning tops

A row of individually painted miniature wooden figures on a dark display plinth.

02 · Character in miniature

Miniature figures

Small figures turn a few shapes and colors into an entire cast. From classic toy soldiers to simple peg characters, their scale rewards a close look at silhouette, expression and hand-painted detail.

Toy soldiers · Peg figures · Painted detail

A wooden yo-yo, painted spinning top and other old-fashioned playthings on a walnut table.

03 · Familiar pleasures

Vintage playthings

Everyday playthings often make use of simple, memorable shapes. A yo-yo, a ball or a spinning top can reveal how little is needed to invite repetition, skill and delight.

Yo-yos · Balls · Spinning toys

A vintage wind-up tin toy and brass-toned clockwork collectible displayed with a winding key.

04 · A little ingenuity

Mechanical collectibles

Wind-up toys make mechanics part of the magic. Gears, springs and winding keys translate a small action into movement, offering a glimpse of the ingenuity tucked inside a compact object.

Wind-up toys · Clockwork · Motion

See the details

Look closely.
Find the craft.

About the museum