I still have many toys from my childhood and they are obviously very different than the toys that can be bought today for children. I’ve been to a toy Museum in my hometown Bucharest Romania and I had a trip down memory lane with toys from Romania from different periods of time.
When I started to research the places to visit in Munich I had on my list the toy Museum but I wasn’t sure that we would have time to visit it.
After we saw the 11 AM show of the Rathaus-Glockenspiel (clock) in Munich, visited the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus), and saw the city from above, from the tower here, we started to walk futher, toward the famous churches in the area.
But our first stop was the Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum), a delightful and nostalgic attraction in the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) at Marienplatz.
Even before giving you more details about the museum and telling you a few things you have to know before visiting the Toy Museum in Munich, I will say this: if you’re a fan of vintage toys, history, or simply looking for a unique way to spend some time in Munich, this museum is a must-see. With its extensive collection of toys that span more than 200 years, the Toy Museum offers a charming journey through the evolution of play.
And yes, it is a great attraction in Munich for you even if you are not visiting with kids. Because it is a museum for all ages!
I would say that the Toy Museum is a hidden gem in Munich that brings out the child in everyone. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting the Toy Museum, from its history and top exhibits to tips for making the most of your visit.
Munich Toy Museum: A Complete Visitor’s Guide to the Spielzeugmuseum
Where it is Located + How to Get Inside + Useful Tips
I already mentioned that the museum is in Marienplatz, one of the most famous (actually the most famous) place in Munich.
The museum is inside one of the towers of the Old City Hall (Altes Rathaus). It is very close to the New Town Hall (less than 1 minute walk) and also less than a minute from the subway exit (Marienplatz station).
As it is located inside a tower, the stairs are… spiral staircase! This can be tricky for some – but read on as I will share with you how a claustrophobic person (myself) was able to visit this and everything was ok!
When we arrived at the entrance, my son went inside first, then I followed him. I took a few steps and when I saw the spiral staircase with no windows I decided to go back (after climbing a few steps.) As mentioned, I’m claustrophobic. – From the picture above, the museum is located in the tower with the clock.
My son got back and I told him that the museum has an interesting collection – I knew it because I saw some pictures online – and I encouraged him to go by himself. I told him to go to the cashier’s and find out whether he could pay with a card or if he needed cash.
He went back inside and came back less than a minute later and told me that cash was needed but also that there were only a few steps to climb until the cashier’s (he actually counted them for me), And that after that the room is bigger and there is an elevator.
So I decided to leap. I got back inside, and as my son was counting down the stairs I realized that I got to the cashier’s office in a few seconds.
And it was indeed a room with windows, with light, and with the elevator available.
There were already toys exhibited in this room, some souvenirs and books that could be bought, and the lady at the front desk gave us the tickets but also a flyer with explanations for all the toys inside the museum.
She advised us to go to the top level and then to go from floor to floor – each floor has a room with many toys grouped by year and by type of toys.
What is There to See at the Toy Museum in Munich + Tips
Obviously toys. but not a single type of toy or only newer toys.
In fact, there are four floors filled with numerous toys and some of them are quite spectacular or unique.
You’ll find here a collection of teddy bears, Barbie dolls, and Ken dolls—including the oldest Barbie doll with outfits from 1959.
Here are some photos from the 4th floor:
You will also find tin toys – they are quite impressive.
Oh, and don’t even let me start to tell you about the trains – pictured below are only a few of the trains!
There are also robots – I loved this selection!
The Munich Toy Museum is also home to numerous other toys such as carousels, dolls, Disney characters toys, etc.
And some toys for boys – airplanes, soldiers.
Here are some toys depicting everyday jobs – musicians (and a carousel!)
Dolls and plates – sets for playing.
There are toys related to church and religion as well:
There is also an impressive collection of wooden toys and steam engines.
I am including many pictures – but, trust me, these are only a few of the photos I took AFTER admiring each piece here.
One of the most impressive sets is this – and I am sharing with you the picture of the entire ensemble, as well as each room – as the details are staggering!
You can learn new things from the official site too. For instance, I found out that the name teddy (from teddy bear) comes from Theodore Roosevelt. In 1902, he refused to kill a small bear that was brought in front of him – so the bear has been nicknamed Teddy – from Theodor.
Munich Toy Museum – visiting tips
I already mentioned that it is located inside a tower and that the access is via a spiral staircase, but it is ok, not that long, it works for claustrophobic people too.
I am adding that there is a nice cool show at the entrance – powered by wind (mostly) – do not miss it – and look up! You will see what I am talking about (forgot to take a picture, I only have a video I cannot include here).
Look at each exhibit in detail – you might be surprised by what you will discover.
As the explanations are both in German and English + you get that flyer, it will be easy to follow the exhibits inside the museum and to notice the special toys.
If you are claustrophobic, Take the elevator up to the last floor, and then also from one floor to another – especially if it is not crowded (when we went, we were the only ones per floor, when we were at the middle of the museum, another family came to visit.
Ticket price
The tickets are quite cheap – 6 euros for an adult ticket and 2 euros for a child ticket. There are also offers for families.
Another reason to visit this museum!
There is also a free audioguide for this museum!
As a special tip: put aside the flyer – as it will be useful when trying to describe to others the toys. It will also give you an idea of what all the photos you will take represent 🙂
Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (closed on Christmas days, New Year’s, and Shrove Tuesday) – check the official website for the program when you are planning your visit here.
The Toy Museum in Munich – History
The museum was created by Ivan Steiger. Born in Prague in 1939, he got to Germany – and in 1983 he opened the msueum.
He is a lot more than this museum’s creator – as he is a prolific director and producer of documentaries, he also published 9,000 drawings 1972 to 2011 for the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung in Frankfurt. He is, as the official site of the museum mentions, a cartoonist, illustrator, painter, writer, and director. Ivan Steiger lives in Germany since 1969.
Why I am recommending you to visit Munich’s Toy Museum
When I created my itinerary for Munich, as mentioned at the beginning of this article, I wasn’t sure that we would visit this museum. I wasn’t sure we would have time or if we would be really tempted to see it.
But after have visited I am recommending you to spend at least an hour here – more if you have the time and if you love toys.
The Munich Toy Museum offers a nostalgic and delightful experience for visitors of all ages. From vintage dolls and tin toys to mechanical marvels, the museum’s exhibits highlight the evolution of toys (and play) and showcase the creativity of toy makers throughout the years.
Plus, there are toys from all around the world!
Located in the heart of Munich at Marienplatz, it’s an easy and rewarding stop for anyone exploring the city.
Whether you’re looking to relive childhood memories, introduce your kids to toys from the past, or simply learn about the history of toys, the Toy Museum is a must-visit attraction in Munich. Be sure to add it to your Munich travel itinerary, and enjoy a trip down memory lane!
For us, it was an interesting and lovely experience. I got to show my son some of the toys that were similar to the ones I had. But we also discovered together old toys and thus we learned how children used to play back in the day.
It was a really nice experience to put it all in perspective: to think about how it all started, the first toys and to, maybe, think about the toys that are available right now, to discover what’s change in terms of materials, functionalities, technology, and to see what was also kept. Yes, there are some types of toys that we can still find today: wooden toys, cars, robots – we still have them – and many more. Sometimes they are similar to the old ones, and sometimes they are so different, new, and modernized.
It was also interesting to see how the faces of the dolls/people changed over time.
Go and check this museum out. I have a feeling you will like it!
