The Toy Museum (or“Toy Museum“) is housed inside Prague Castle, specifically in the north wing of the architectural complex. This Gothic setting fits the exhibition center like a glove. Indeed, it almost seems as if one is entering a fairy tale and the many toys collected within the ancient halls only reinforce this impression.

There are several toy museums in the world, this one, however, is the largest by far. As many as 7 rooms are dedicated to the exhibition, rooms that collect thousands and thousands of pieces.

Prague Toy Museum

ID 198595781 | Museum © Solarisys13 | Dreamstime.com

The two floors over which the Prague Toy Museum is divided collect items from all over the world, very old or all in all quite recent, archaeological finds, and donations from private collections.

There are about sixty showcases arranged by the staff.

Inside these showcases you can admire toys typically from India or dating back to the time of the ancient Greeks, soft toys, wooden toys and lots of dolls.

ID 217165971 | Museum © Olga Ilina | Dreamstime.com

And speaking of dolls: in this wing of Prague Castle, quite a bit of space is occupied by a very rich collection of Barbies.

From the first models launched on the market to the most current ones via limited edition collectibles. Where else but here can you see Marilyn Monroe Barbie and Spice Girls Barbie together?

ID 80256477 © Sergey Kokotchikov | Dreamstime.com

Each doll is then provided with a lavish layette through which it is to some extent possible to reconstruct not only the stylistic evolution of the doll, but also the social changes that have taken place through the different historical eras in which the various Barbies were launched on the market.

There is also no shortage of Victorian-style toy houses, Meccano collections complete with pre-assembled models, robots and superheroes.

Needless to say, the Prague Toy Museum could hardly avoid exhibiting some Disney or Star Wars toys as well. Ivan Steiger, who donated 5,000 pieces to the institution, all from his large private collection, also contributed to complete the work.

A suggestion? If you are not traveling with children, do not dismiss this museum out of hand from your list of places to visit.

It is an interesting and enjoyable place for adults as well, who will almost magically relive their long-gone childhood among these rooms.

How to get to the Toy Museum

To get to the Prague Toy Museum easily, you have two main options:

• Metro: Take the green line (A) and get off at the Malostranská stop. As soon as you exit the station, you will find the staircase behind you that leads directly to the main entrance of Prague Castle.
• Streetcar: If you prefer not to tackle the climb on foot, you can take streetcar number 22 and get off at the Pražský hrad (Prague Castle) stop. From there, simply follow the flow of people toward the Castle.

Toy Museum Prague: contacts

• The Toy Museum
• Husova 158/20, Clam Gallas Palace, 110 00 Prague
• Tel: +420 720 203 692
• website: Toymuseumprague.com/en