Toy Museum Mechelen

Toy Museum Mechelen (Speelgoedmuseum Mechelen) is one of the largest museums of its kind in Europe, holding a collection of more than 35,000 objects related to the history of play and toys. The museum first opened its doors on 23 April 1982, and since 1999 it has held the status of an accredited museum, reflecting the professional standard of collection care and research behind its exhibits.

What can visitors see at the museum?

The core collection comprises over 30,000 objects spanning toys from the Middle Ages to the present day, with a particular concentration from the 19th and 20th centuries. The permanent exhibition is organized into thematic sections, giving visitors a clear and logical path through the displays. These sections include circus and fairground toys, construction toys, creative and educational toys, stuffed toys, mechanical and iron toys, optical and sound-making toys, puppets, puzzles and board games, toy soldiers, toys from around the world, traditional children's games, as well as train sets inspired by Pieter Bruegel's paintings and miniature vehicles and transport models.

Why is this museum worth a visit?

The scale and variety of the collection make the museum appealing to both children and adults. For younger visitors, it offers a hands-on, playful way to explore, while older visitors often find it a nostalgic journey back to their own childhood. The thematic layout also lets visitors trace how materials, technologies and styles of toys evolved over the centuries, from simple wooden figures to intricate mechanical and later electronic playthings.

Where is the museum located?

The museum is located in Mechelen, a city in the Belgian province of Antwerp, situated between Brussels and Antwerp. In 2024, it relocated from the Nekkerspoel area of the city to a new site on Koning Albertplein, right next to Mechelen railway station, making the museum considerably easier to reach for visitors travelling by public transport.

Frequently asked questions

Is the museum suitable for children? Yes, thanks to its subject matter and numerous interactive elements, the museum is a popular destination for families with children, while its extensive collection also draws adult enthusiasts of toy history.

How large is the museum's collection? The collection contains more than 35,000 objects in total, with the permanent exhibition displaying over 30,000 items organized by theme.

Since when has the museum been open? The museum opened on 23 April 1982 and has held accredited museum status since 1999.

Where exactly is the museum located today? Since 2024, the museum has been located on Koning Albertplein in Mechelen, directly next to the railway station, following its move from the earlier Nekkerspoel location.