Toy Museum, Salzburg

The Spielzeugmuseum or Toy Museum displays the largest collection of toys in Austria. It has both conventional and interactive displays.

The Toy Museum is housed in a beautiful old Baroque structure that was once a public hospital. Besides an impressive collection of toys, the museum has workshops where toys are made and the Kasperltheater Puppet show has been hosted on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon for the entertainment of young visitors for the last 25 years. Exhibits are arranged in an area of over 800 square meters.

Toy collections at the museum include antique dolls, wooden and tin dolls from around Austria, toys used by children from the baroque age to the 21st century and a small exhibition of miniature musical instruments. There are exhibits that are over 250 years old. There is a vast collection of paper theater and paper opera characters, a unique collection of model trains, a collection of handmade dolls houses and circus toy displays. One room has a model railroad with two locomotives that carry passengers and goods around the city at the press of a button. There is also a section dedicated to photography equipment. Another attraction for children is a group of gnomes called Fidis that live in the museum depot.

Why You Should Visit:
Versatile – you could try a lot yourself; perfect for children aged 5-11; in a good overall condition despite the many young visitors; housed in a historically interesting building; staff is friendly and helpful; entrance fee is reasonable.