Museo Galego do Xoguete

Museo Galego do Xoguete (the Galician Toy Museum) sits right in the historic centre of Allariz, a small town in Ourense province, in Spain's Galicia region. It's the kind of stop travellers plan for "ten minutes" and end up staying an hour, because every display case triggers a different memory.

What is this place?

The museum occupies the ground floor of an old pazo, a stone manor house that once served as the town's courthouse. Allariz's town council opened it in 1995, building the collection around a private stash amassed by local resident Alberto Oro Claro. Over the years he gathered more than 600 toys — tin cars, dolls, board games — and donated the lot to the town. The building was expanded and renovated in 2013, and the collection grew alongside it. Today the museum holds over 1,500 pieces.

What will you see inside?

The route walks you through toys spanning the late 19th century to the 1980s — roughly a hundred years of playtime in Spain and Galicia. Expect pre-war porcelain dolls, tin trains and cars, board games, hand-carved wooden toys, and the plastic staples of children's bedrooms from the 1960s and 70s. For older visitors it's a nostalgia trip; for kids, a chance to see exactly what their parents and grandparents played with before screens took over.

How do you get there, and when should you visit?

The museum is located at Rúa do Portelo 4, right in the centre of Allariz, so the easiest way to reach it is on foot while exploring the old town — Allariz is known for its well-preserved historic quarter and the Arnoia river running through the middle of it. Opening hours shift with the season: in summer (Tuesday to Sunday, plus holidays) the museum runs 11:00–14:00 and 18:00–20:00; in winter (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) it's 11:00–14:00 and 17:00–19:00. The museum is closed in January, so it's worth checking the current schedule before you go.

Who is it for?

This is a solid stop for families travelling with kids, but it's equally interesting for adults curious about social history and local material culture. The exhibition is compact, which makes it an easy addition to a short walk through Allariz — pair it with a visit to the Santa Clara monastery or a stroll along the gardens by the Arnoia river. It's not a full-day museum, but it's absolutely worth the detour.

Frequently asked questions

How much does admission cost? Ticket prices and any discounts for children or groups are best checked right before your visit, since fees can change — the Allariz town council website or local tourist information points usually have the current rates.

How long does a visit take? Given the compact size of the exhibition, most visitors need around 30–45 minutes, making it an easy stop on a walk through the town centre.

Is the museum good for young children? Yes — the colourful toys and games catch kids' attention easily, though some pieces (fragile porcelain dolls, older games) are displayed behind glass, so it's more of a look-and-learn visit than a hands-on one.

Are there other attractions near the museum in Allariz? Yes — the old town of Allariz with its stone streets, the Santa Clara monastery, and walks along the Arnoia river are all within easy reach of the museum, making it simple to combine the visit with a longer tour of the town.