Opened in 1971 in the heart of Nuremberg's old quarter, the Toy Museum is one of the most acclaimed museums of its kind in the world. It takes visitors of all ages on a journey through the cultural history of the toy world from ancient times through to the present day.

The heart of the toy world beats in Nuremberg.
The Toy Museum depicts Nuremberg's history as a centre of toy production and trade. The city's 600-year tradition of toy making dates back to the doll-makers of the Middle Ages. Behind the attractive façade of a Renaissance town house, the Toy Museum covers four floors and illustrates an entire world of historical toys. For many visitors, looking at these toys conjures up memories of their own childhood. Also featuring paper toys, post-war model construction kits, children's books, games and the high-tech toys of today, the museum attracts visitors from Germany and abroad.

Covering more than 1,400m² and a wealth of extraordinary exhibits, Nuremberg's Toy Museum brings the history of toys from various periods to life. Dolls, luxury doll's houses from the Biedermeier period, 100-year-old teddy bears, toy grocers' shops, tin figures and the remarkable Lehmann tin toy collection chronicle the history of toys along with a wealth of traditional wooden toys. Vehicles, train sets and steam engines are testimony to the exceptional role played by Nuremberg toy producers in the field of technical toys. Modern-day toys such as Barbie, Lego, Playmobil and Matchbox are also on display. Young visitors can play to their hearts' content in the kids' area or watch demonstrations of the large model railway.
» www.spielzeugmuseum-nuernberg.de

A selection of other toy museums in Germany.