Speelgoedmuseum Deventer, Toy museum in Deventer, Netherlands
The Speelgoedmuseum holds about 13,000 toys from different centuries, ranging from medieval objects to modern playthings, spread across two historic buildings. The collection includes dolls, wooden toys, construction games, and mechanical objects that document how play evolved over time.
The museum occupies two merchant houses from the 14th century during the Hanseatic period, preserving both architectural heritage and childhood memories. These buildings come from an era when Deventer was an important trading hub.
The collection shows how Dutch children played across different periods through wooden toys, dolls, and construction sets that reflect changing childhood experiences. These objects reveal what games and toys meant to families in different eras.
The museum is easy to reach on foot and the buildings are straightforward to explore, with ground-floor access for different visitor groups. It helps to allow time for both houses and walk through the exhibits at a relaxed pace.
One highlight is the 1897 tin Clown Artist, an automated toy with a mechanism that draws historical figures. This rare piece is the only automaton in the entire collection.
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