I still have many toys from my childhood, and they’re obviously very different from the ones children play with today. That’s why I’ve always loved toy museums – they’re a nostalgic journey through time. After visiting a toy museum in Bucharest, Romania, I knew I wanted to explore more of these magical places across Europe.
So, when planning our trip to Munich, I added the Toy Museum Munich (Spielzeugmuseum) to our itinerary. I wasn’t sure we’d have time to visit, but I’m so glad we did – it turned out to be one of the most delightful surprises and a hidden gem in Marienplatz, right in the heart of the city.
After we saw the 11 AM show of the Rathaus-Glockenspiel (clock) in Munich, visited the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus), and saw the city from above, from the tower here, we started to walk further, toward the famous churches in the area.
But our first stop was the Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum), a delightful and nostalgic attraction in the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) at Marienplatz.
Before diving into the details, here’s my honest take: if you’re a fan of vintage toys, childhood nostalgia, or unique museums in Munich, the Toy Museum Munich is a must-visit attraction.
With a fascinating collection spanning over 200 years, this museum offers a heartwarming journey through the history of toys – from early wooden creations to classic Barbies, teddy bears, and tin robots. With its extensive collection of toys that spans more than 200 years, the Toy Museum offers a charming journey through the evolution of play.
And yes, it is a great attraction in Munich for you, even if you are not visiting with kids. Because it is a museum for all ages!
I would say that the Toy Museum is a hidden gem in Munich that brings out the child in everyone. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting the Toy Museum, from its history and top exhibits to tips for making the most of your visit.
Munich Toy Museum: A Complete Visitor’s Guide to the Spielzeugmuseum
Where it is Located + How to Get Inside + Useful Tips
I already mentioned that the museum is in Marienplatz, one of the most famous (actually the most famous) places in Munich.
The Munich Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum) is located right in Marienplatz, inside the tower of the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). It’s less than a minute away from the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) – and from the Marienplatz U-Bahn and S-Bahn station, making it incredibly easy to reach.
Address: Marienplatz 15, 80331 Munich, Germany
Nearest station: Marienplatz (U3, U6, S-Bahn lines)
As it is located inside a tower, the stairs are… spiral staircase! This can be tricky for some – but read on as I will share with you how a claustrophobic person (myself) was able to visit this and everything was ok!
When we arrived at the entrance, my son went inside first, then I followed him. I took a few steps and when I saw the spiral staircase with no windows I decided to go back (after climbing a few steps.) As mentioned, I’m claustrophobic. – From the picture above, the museum is located in the tower with the clock.
My son got back and I told him that the museum has an interesting collection – I knew it because I saw some pictures online – and I encouraged him to go by himself. I told him to go to the cashier’s and find out whether he could pay with a card or if he needed cash.
He went back inside and came back less than a minute later and told me that cash was needed but also that there were only a few steps to climb until the cashier’s (he actually counted them for me), And that after that the room is bigger and there is an elevator.
So I decided to leap. I got back inside, and as my son was counting down the stairs I realized that I got to the cashier’s office in a few seconds.
And it was indeed a room with windows, with light, and with the elevator available.
There were already toys exhibited in this room, some souvenirs and books that could be bought, and the lady at the front desk gave us the tickets but also a flyer with explanations for all the toys inside the museum.
She advised us to go to the top level and then to go from floor to floor – each floor has a room with many toys grouped by year and by type of toys.
What is There to See at the Toy Museum in Munich + Tips
The Toy Museum in Munich covers four floors packed with toys from around the world—each level telling a different story in the evolution of play. You’ll find:
- Teddy bears (including early 1900s models)
- Barbie and Ken dolls, including the 1959 first-edition Barbie
- Tin toys, model trains, and steam engines
- Robots, Disney figurines, and wooden toys
- Miniature carousels, soldier figures, and toy kitchens
Each exhibit is carefully grouped by era and type, offering insight into how toys have evolved from handcrafted items to mass-produced icons.
You’ll find here a collection of teddy bears, Barbie dolls, and Ken dolls – including the oldest Barbie doll with outfits from 1959.
Here are some photos from the 4th floor:
You will also find tin toys – they are quite impressive.
Oh, and don’t even let me start to tell you about the trains – pictured below are only a few of the trains!
There are also robots – I loved this selection!
The Munich Toy Museum is also home to numerous other toys such as carousels, dolls, Disney characters toys, etc.
And some toys for boys – airplanes, soldiers.
Here are some toys depicting everyday jobs – musicians (and a carousel!)
Dolls and plates – sets for playing.
There are toys related to church and religion as well:
There is also an impressive collection of wooden toys and steam engines.
I am including many pictures – but, trust me, these are only a few of the photos I took AFTER admiring each piece here.
One of the most impressive sets is this – and I am sharing with you the picture of the entire ensemble, as well as each room – as the details are staggering!
You can learn new things from the official site too. For instance, I found out that the name teddy (from teddy bear) comes from Theodore Roosevelt. In 1902, he refused to kill a small bear that was brought in front of him – so the bear has been nicknamed Teddy – from Theodor.
Tips for visiting the Toy Museum Munich
The museum is inside a narrow spiral staircase tower, but it’s manageable – even for those with mild claustrophobia. As I mentioned, I am one of them – and once you get passed the first few steps, things change (for the better).
There’s an elevator once you reach the cashier’s level, so accessibility improves after the first few steps.
Look for the wind-powered display near the entrance – it’s easy to miss but fun to watch. I noticed in detail when we got out of the museum 🙂
Take your time on each floor. This is my most important recommendation. The museum is really worth a visit. The labels are bilingual (German and English), and you’ll receive a flyer with details about each exhibit.
Visit early or late in the day to enjoy quieter rooms and better photo opportunities.
Toy Museum Munich Tickets and Opening Hours
- Adults: €6
- Children: €2
- Family ticket options available
- There is also a free audioguide for this museum!
Opening hours:
Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (closed on Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Shrove Tuesday).
Always check the official website before your visit for the latest updates on hours or ticket changes.
As a special tip: put aside the flyer, as it will be useful when trying to describe the toys to others. It will also give you an idea of what all the photos you will take represent 🙂
Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (closed on Christmas days, New Year’s, and Shrove Tuesday) – check the official website for the program when you are planning your visit here.
A Brief History of the Munich Toy Museum
The museum was founded by Ivan Steiger, a Prague-born artist, cartoonist, and filmmaker. He opened the museum in 1983, transforming part of the Old Town Hall tower into a tribute to the art and history of toys.
Steiger’s personal collection forms the heart of the museum, featuring toys from Europe, the United States, and beyond. His mission was simple: to preserve the joy and creativity of childhood for future generations.
He is a lot more than this museum’s creator – as he is a prolific director and producer of documentaries, he also published 9,000 drawings 1972 to 2011 for the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung in Frankfurt. He is, as the official site of the museum mentions, a cartoonist, illustrator, painter, writer, and director. Ivan Steiger has lived in Germany since 1969.
Why I am recommending you to visit Munich’s Toy Museum
When I created my itinerary for Munich, as mentioned at the beginning of this article, I wasn’t sure that we would visit this museum. I wasn’t sure we would have time or if we would be really tempted to see it.
But after have visited I am recommending you to spend at least an hour here – more if you have the time and if you love toys.
The Munich Toy Museum offers a nostalgic and delightful experience for visitors of all ages. From vintage dolls and tin toys to mechanical marvels, the museum’s exhibits highlight the evolution of toys (and play) and showcase the creativity of toy makers throughout the years.
Plus, there are toys from all around the world!
Located in the heart of Munich at Marienplatz, it’s an easy and rewarding stop for anyone exploring the city.
Whether you want to relive childhood memories, show your kids how toys used to look, or simply enjoy a unique museum experience in Munich, the Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum) is a charming stop you shouldn’t miss.
It’s perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike – and a wonderful hidden gem in Marienplatz that adds heart and nostalgia to your Munich itinerary.
Don’t forget your camera – every corner of this museum tells a story worth capturing.
Add the Toy Museum Munich to your list of must-see attractions, right after visiting the Glockenspiel and New Town Hall – it’s literally steps away! Be sure to add it to your Munich travel itinerary, and enjoy a trip down memory lane!
For us, it was an interesting and lovely experience. I got to show my son some of the toys that were similar to the ones I had. But we also discovered together old toys and thus we learned how children used to play back in the day.
It was a really nice experience to put it all in perspective: to think about how it all started, the first toys and to, maybe, think about the toys that are available right now, to discover what’s change in terms of materials, functionalities, technology, and to see what was also kept. Yes, there are some types of toys that we can still find today: wooden toys, cars, robots – we still have them – and many more. Sometimes they are similar to the old ones, and sometimes they are so different, new, and modernized.
It was also interesting to see how the faces of the dolls/people changed over time.
Go and check this museum out. I have a feeling you will like it!
FAQs about the Toy Museum Munich (Spielzeugmuseum)
Is the Toy Museum Munich suitable for adults?
Absolutely! The Toy Museum is not just for kids – it’s a nostalgic experience that adults love, filled with vintage toys, early mechanical creations, and fascinating historical displays.
How long should I plan for my visit?
Plan to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours exploring all four floors.
Is the museum accessible?
There’s an elevator from the ticket level upward, but initial access involves a short spiral staircase.
What’s near the Toy Museum in Munich?
The museum is steps away from the Marienplatz Glockenspiel, New Town Hall, and several famous churches in central Munich, making it easy to combine visits.
