Hessisches Puppenmuseum, Doll museum in Hanau, Germany.
The Hessisches Puppen- und Spielzeugmuseum occupies the Arkadenbau of the historic Wilhelmsbad spa complex, which is managed by the State Palaces and Gardens of Hesse. Its exhibition space covers more than 800 square metres and shows dolls from antiquity to the present, including a department for antiquity and a Japan department set up with the doll museum of Hanau's sister city Tottori.
The museum was founded in 1983 and began operations with a small number of rooms at Wilhelmsbad before gradually expanding its collection. The oldest pieces in the collection date back to the 18th century and show the early development of modern doll making.
The collection reflects how doll design changed across generations and which materials like wood, porcelain, and wax were favored in different eras. Visitors can see how these craft traditions shaped the way children played and families valued toys.
The museum is conveniently located along the Parkpromenade and welcomes visitors throughout the week. It's helpful to check opening times in advance, as schedules can vary depending on the season or special events.
The Japan department was set up with the doll museum of Hanau's sister city Tottori, not with a toy museum elsewhere in Japan. The museum also owns a roughly 20-metre Carrera Digital 132 slot-car track, used on the second and fourth Saturday of each month with visitors' own cars and on Sundays with the museum's vehicles.
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