Museu do Brinquedo Português

Museu do Brinquedo Português (Portuguese Toy Museum) is a toy museum in Arcozelo, on the right bank of the Lima River, right next to the Roman bridge of Ponte de Lima. It opened in June 2012 and welcomes roughly 20,000 visitors a year. It is a good stop for families with children, and for anyone who enjoys a trip back to childhood.

What can I see at the Museu do Brinquedo Português?

The permanent exhibition holds more than 3,000 toys dating from the 19th century to 1986. It traces Portuguese toy manufacturing from the late 1800s through the second half of the 20th century. Displays include tin rattles, wooden beach buckets, papier-mâché dolls, trucks, boats, trains, tricycles and pedal cars.

How is the visit organised?

The museum is housed in Casa do Arnado and its annexes. The route leads through the toy galleries and then out into the garden, continuing to the Sala das Brincadeiras (games room), the Oficina do Brinquedo (toy workshop) and a temporary exhibitions room. The visit therefore mixes looking at the collection with activities for younger guests.

Where is it and how do I get there?

Address: Casa do Arnado, Largo da Alegria, 4990-154 Arcozelo, Ponte de Lima. Its position beside the Roman bridge makes it easy to combine with a walk through the old town of Ponte de Lima on the opposite bank.

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours? The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–12:30 (last entry 12:00) and 14:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00). Check the official Ponte de Lima museums website before you go for current details.

How can I contact the museum? Phone: +351 258 240 210, email: [email protected].

Is it suitable for children? Yes. Besides the collection there is a games room and a toy workshop, so children can do more than just look at exhibits.

When did the museum open? In June 2012.

How long should I plan for a visit? An hour or two is usually enough, depending on how long you spend in the garden, the games room and the temporary exhibition.

Why visit?

The collection shows how toys in Portugal changed over nearly a century, and the materials used, from tin to wood to paper, illustrate shifts in craft and industry. For adults it is a nostalgic journey; for children it is a chance to see what their parents and grandparents played with. The museum pairs well with a day in Ponte de Lima, one of Portugal's oldest towns, and suits a relaxed, family-friendly part of the itinerary.