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Several children gathered around a vibrant toy display, eagerly pointing and discussing their favorite items.

Museum of Childhood

History, nostalgia, and family fun

 

Edinburgh’s Museum of Childhood was the very first of its kind in the world, opening to the public in 1955 to display an enchanting collection of toys and memorabilia. The collection has grown over the years and now includes clothes, books, games, dolls and toys from the 1800s to the present day.


From Muffin the Mule to Buzz Lightyear (and beyond), there are favourite toys from just about every decade of the past two centuries, along with many other artefacts bringing the experience of children at home, at school and at play to life.


The Museum has a small dressing-up area, complete with tee-pee, where even the smallest can have fun.  


"...charming little museum full of interesting bits and bobs to take you down memory lane." Visitor


"A wonderful, free museum on the Royal Mile—perfect for families or anyone feeling nostalgic." Visitor



Our collection explores all aspects of British childhood from the mid 19th century to the present day. There are toys, games, dolls, fancy dress, items relating to hobbies and pastimes, books, magazines and comics. Childcare and life at home, nursery and school also feature, along with a substantial costume collection reflecting children’s fashions and lifestyles. The museum also has a photographic archive.

 

Highlights of the collection include:


  • Queen Anne Doll - The oldest toy in the collection, a rare wooden fashion doll dating from c1740
  • Raleigh Chopper bicycle - A style icon of the 1970s
  • Kindertransport bear - A tiny Steiff teddy bear which travelled out of Vienna on the last Kindertransport train to rescue Jewish children from Nazi Germany in 1939
  • Stanbrig Eorls - The largest dolls’ house in the museum’s collection, with 19 rooms, electric light and running water.
  • Peter Rabbit soft toy - A Steiff toy from the early 20th century, and one of the first examples of merchandising for children.