The collection at the Museum of Childhood, Edinburgh is a delight, and the exhibits are full of interesting stories and history. The evolution of rocking horses, for example, is presented, starting with simple carved horses of the 17th century and developing eventually into plastic horses on springs. The creation of teddy bears in Germany in 1907 and the spread of their popularity to Britain, America, Australia, France, Japan, and other nations is presented.

Ahoy! A collection of historic dolls in Edinburgh's Museum of Childhood.

The 8,000 dolls made of wood, cloth, wax, ceramic, and plastic are a parade of history, starting with the paddle doll from 1.300 BC. Every doll is unique and has a story. The richly dressed “Old Pretender” doll is from the the court of King James II in 1680. The Three in One doll made in England in 1916 has three heads, including two white girls and one black boy.

[image credit: Óscar Palmer]

The collection of doll’s houses at the Museum of Childhood, Edinburgh is worth a trip in itself. The doll’s houses are a wonderful exhibit of period architecture, starting with the Nuremberg house, built in 1673. Comparing the furnishings and appliances in the doll’s houses is a wonderful way to see how life has changed over the past 350 years.

Edinburgh's Museum of Childhood also attracts big kids.

[image credit: David Fernández Martínez]

So Much To See At Edinburgh’s Museum Of Childhood

Children will be familiar with many of the toys on display and amused to see them in a museum. Most boys and many girls have had Hot Wheels, which first sold in 1968, and children are interested to see all the varieties of these toy cars. The same is true for the robot toys known as Transformers, first sold in 1984. The historic versions of classics such as Legos, board games, Slinkys, and other toys are great fun.

Young and old enjoy a vist at Edinburgh's Museum of Childhood

The Museum of Childhood, Edinburgh is a place that brings back happy memories for many adults. Children love to hear a parent or grandparent share a story from childhood about a beloved toy. The joy of toys is priceless.

[image credit: notcub]