Historic toys & miniatures

Visiting the Toy Worlds Museum Basel

Explore a vast collection of historic toys and miniatures in the heart of Basel.

HistoryLocal heritage

Discover a vast world of childhood nostalgia at this Basel museum, showcasing an extensive collection of historic teddy bears, dolls, grocery shops, and modern miniatures alongside interactive, family-friendly temporary exhibitions.

A Basel museum housing a premier collection of historical teddy bears, grocery shops, classic dolls, and contemporary miniatures.

Inside the Toy Worlds Museum Basel

The Toy Worlds Museum Basel houses one of Europe's most extensive collections of historic playthings. Located in Basel, this unique venue features a diverse array of classic dolls, historic toy grocery shops, and detailed contemporary miniatures. The museum is also home to a remarkably large collection of antique teddy bears alongside rotating special exhibitions.

Corner view of the Puppenhausmuseum building facade decorated with red, white, and blue balloons and Swiss and EU flags, with pedestrians and bicycles on the street below

Toy Worlds Museum Basel opening hours in Basel

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Toy Worlds Museum Basel. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Basel.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

10:00-18:00

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Toy Worlds Museum Basel Admission and Tickets

Visitors to the Toy Worlds Museum Basel can select from several admission categories during their trip to Basel. Standard adult entry is priced at CHF 7 and includes access to special exhibitions. Discounted tickets of CHF 5 are available for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Children and youth up to the age of 16 enjoy free admission, with those under 12 requiring an adult companion.

Standard Entry

CHF 7.00

Includes access to special exhibitions

Discounted Entry

CHF 5.00

Seniors, Persons with disabilities

Children and Youth

Free

Up to 16 years of age. Children up to 12 must be accompanied by an adult

See museum tickets and prices

Family visits at Toy Worlds Museum Basel

Families can explore four floors of historical toys at the Toy Worlds Museum Basel, featuring teddy bears, dolls, and intricate miniatures. The museum offers engagement through dedicated Teddy Cinema screenings and regular craft-and-game workshop days. Further information on programming, youth admission policies, and event registration details is available to help plan your visit.

Families can explore four floors of historical toys, including teddy bears, dolls, and miniatures, alongside a programme of child-oriented workshops and events.

Why families will enjoy it

Extensive collections spread across four floors.
Dedicated Teddy Cinema screenings for families.
Regular craft-and-game workshop days.
Free admission for children and youth up to age 16.

Activities and resources for children

Family program

Family Activities and Workshops

Recurring craft-and-game days for families to engage with the collection.

Family resource

Teddy Cinema

Film screenings tailored for family audiences.

Plan a family visit

Museum Passes for Toy Worlds Museum Basel

Visitors to the Toy Worlds Museum Basel have several options to access the collections through partner museum passes. Depending on the pass held, admission may be fully included or available at a discounted rate for individual visits. Please review the specific terms of your pass to understand the full scope of benefits and access policies available at the museum.

BaselCard

A complimentary guest benefit for overnight accommodation stays.

Enjoy free public transport and 25% admission discounts at participating museums and the zoo throughout your visit to Basel. This guest card is supplied with overnight stays and provides a simple way to experience local cultural institutions.

Accepted here

Museums-PASS-Musées

Tri-national access to hundreds of museums, castles, and historic gardens.

Unlock admission to an extensive network of cultural institutions located in Basel and beyond. This annual pass is designed for those looking to explore art, history, and heritage across borders.

Accepted here4 pass options

From €119

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Finding the Toy Worlds Museum Basel

The Toy Worlds Museum Basel is centrally located at Steinenvorstadt 1 in the heart of Basel, making it an easily accessible stop for visitors exploring the city's historic center. This prominent position places the museum within easy reach of major pedestrian zones and cultural sights. It serves as a convenient starting point for families and collectors looking to discover the city's rich museum landscape.

Steinenvorstadt 1

4051 Basel

Basel-Stadt, CH

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Planning Your Visit to Toy Worlds Museum Basel

When planning a visit to the Toy Worlds Museum Basel in Basel, visitors should prepare to navigate a four-storey building housing extensive collections. Allocating sufficient time is recommended to fully appreciate the vast displays of teddy bears, dolls, and historic miniatures. The multi-floor layout of the museum makes for an engaging self-guided experience across several galleries.

See how to visit the museum

The Historic Collections of Toy Worlds Museum Basel

The Toy Worlds Museum Basel offers a nostalgic journey through the history of childhood play. Located in Basel, this museum features one of Europe's largest collections of historical playthings. Visitors can explore detailed miniature worlds, classic dolls, and old-fashioned toy grocery shops. A major highlight is the world-class display of antique teddy bears, alongside rotating special exhibitions that keep the galleries dynamic. This multi-generational experience is enriched by interactive displays, family-friendly workshops, an on-site shop, and a restaurant.

Aerial view of a multi-story building at a street corner in Basel with a green tram passing by and a Gothic church spire rising in the background under a clear blue sky.

Top exhibition picks at Toy Worlds Museum Basel

Curated museum program highlights and what to see now in Basel

Discover high-interest exhibitions at Toy Worlds Museum Basel, selected to help you prioritize your route, compare show themes, and plan a more rewarding museum visit in Basel.

Watercolor illustration of an ornate walking stick with a decorative handle inside a glass display case, representing a museum exhibition.

From Apr 18, 2020

The Walking Stick with a Secret Exhibition in Basel

Explore historical gadget canes with hidden compartments and tools.

Examine more than 250 system canes from the 18th and 19th centuries. Discover ingenious devices like clarinet canes, fans, and sewing kits hidden within these historical artifacts at Toy Worlds Museum Basel.

Exhibition Details

Watercolor illustration of a museum display case featuring vintage toys like teddy bears and blocks, with portraits of women designers on the wall.

From Mar 8, 2024

Women in Toy Design Exhibition at Toy Worlds Museum Basel

Discover female pioneers shaping the history of play.

See how pioneering women designed educational board games, traditional dolls, and iconic plush toys. Admission is CHF 7 for adults and free for children up to 16 years old at Toy Worlds Museum Basel.

Exhibition Details

A watercolor illustration of a vintage advent calendar, miniature houses, and glowing lanterns surrounded by holly and Christmas decorations.

From Nov 2, 2024

Find Festive Christmas Exhibitions at Toy Worlds Museum Basel

Discover vintage Advent calendars and 19th-century holiday craftsmanship.

Learn about the evolution of holiday countdowns through historical artifacts and pull-out designs. Engage with creative interactive stations presenting the rich seasonal heritage of the Alfred Dünnenberger collection.

View Exhibition Details

Watercolor illustration of three historical Saint Nicholas figures in ornate robes admiring purple hot air balloons in a window, surrounded by festive pine branches, angels, and a fireplace.

From Nov 6, 2021

The Santa Claus History Exhibition at Toy Worlds Museum Basel

Discover the origins of a holiday legend.

Trace the cultural transformation of Saint Nicholas into Santa Claus through a unique historical collection. View international depictions, Victorian candy containers, and classic holiday decorations.

Exhibition Details

Watercolor illustration of a vintage teddy bear sitting on a wooden stool in a museum gallery, surrounded by bear-themed posters and silhouettes.

From Feb 28, 2026

Explore the Teddy Bear Exhibition at Toy Worlds Museum Basel

Discover how a childhood toy became a design icon.

Follow the fascinating journey of the teddy bear from its 1907 craze to modern popular culture. See how Winnie-the-Pooh, Paddington, and other famous characters shaped global design and personal comfort. This Basel display offers a deep look into cultural history.

Teddy Bear Exhibition

Watercolor illustration of porcelain snow babies on a lace doily surrounded by vintage Christmas postcards and pine branches with ornaments, set against a purple wash background.

From Nov 4, 2023

Visit the White Christmas Exhibition at Toy Worlds Museum Basel

Explore seasonal holiday ornaments, postcards, and porcelain figurines.

Discover the cultural evolution of winter celebrations at Toy Worlds Museum Basel. View historical ornaments and delicate porcelain Snowbabies alongside a curated winter selection by Swiss artist Silas Kreienbühl. Immerse yourself in the artistic heritage of festive holiday traditions.

White Christmas Exhibition

Whimsical watercolor illustration of a museum gallery where miniature toy figures and children interact with a tablet, surrounded by antique toy display cases.

From Mar 18, 2023

Play is Serious Exhibition at Toy Worlds Museum Basel

An interactive augmented reality journey through the history of play.

Learn about the developmental importance of play through animated historic objects and specialized narration tracks. This presentation utilizes modern technology to animate the museum's historic collection of toys. Visitors can actively participate in interactive installations, including a custom bowling alley.

Exhibition Details

From Oct 17, 2020

Denim History Exhibition at Toy Worlds Museum Basel

Discover the cultural impact of blue jeans and textile art.

Explore a curated selection of 125 objects showcasing the evolution of denim fabric. From its roots in working-class history to contemporary art collaborations with Liza Snook, see how denim transformed global culture.

Denim Exhibition

Open full Toy Worlds Museum Basel exhibitions page

History of the Toy Worlds Museum Basel

The Toy Worlds Museum Basel, located at Barfüsserplatz in Basel, was originally founded as the Dollhouse Museum. The institution is recognized as **Europe's largest museum of its kind**, housing an extensive collection of over 6,000 dolls, play shops, miniatures, and historic teddy bears. Essential financial support for this unique museum has been provided by Gisela Oeri. The venue adopted its current name to reflect its diverse galleries and broader focus on global play heritage.

Recognized as Europe's largest dollhouse museum
Cultural significance
The institution, located in the center of Basel at Barfüsserplatz, is distinguished as the largest museum of its kind in Europe, specializing in the display of dollhouses, miniatures, and toys.
Renamed to Toy Worlds Museum Basel
Milestone
The museum, originally known as the Dollhouse Museum (Puppenhausmuseum), has adopted the official name Toy Worlds Museum Basle (Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel) to reflect its broader scope.
Extensive international collection of over 6,000 exhibits
Collection
The museum houses a vast collection featuring over 6,000 items, including dolls, play shops, and miniatures. It is globally recognized for the exceptional variety and high quality of its unique teddy bear collection.
Significant financial support from Gisela Oeri
Notable person
Gisela Oeri, known for her role as honorary president of the local football club FC Basel, maintains a deep involvement with the museum, providing essential financial support to the institution.

Toy Worlds Museum Basel: Curious Questions & Visitor FAQ

Wondering when the teddy bears at Toy Worlds Museum Basel take their weekly rest? While these historic toys sleep on Mondays, you can visit them from Tuesday through Sunday, or even daily during their busy December season. Explore our quick guide to plan your perfect visit to Basel.

What are the opening hours of Toy Worlds Museum Basel?

Toy Worlds Museum Basel is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. The museum is closed on Mondays.

What are the Toy Worlds Museum Basel weekend opening hours?

On weekends, Toy Worlds Museum Basel is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00.

Is Toy Worlds Museum Basel open on Mondays?

Toy Worlds Museum Basel is closed on Mondays, except during special opening periods such as the month of December.

Does Toy Worlds Museum Basel have special opening hours?

Yes, Toy Worlds Museum Basel has special opening hours from December 1 to December 31, during which it is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.

See museum FAQ answers

Planning Your Visit to Toy Worlds Museum Basel

When planning a trip to the Toy Worlds Museum Basel in Basel, keeping in mind the scale of the exhibits can help you prepare. The museum's extensive collections of teddy bears, dolls, dollhouses, carousels, and historic toys are displayed across four storeys. To appreciate both the permanent displays and the changing special exhibitions, visitors may want to pace their journey through each floor accordingly. Reviewing the current guidelines and scheduling details beforehand can help ensure a smooth experience during your visit.

Who Should Visit the Toy Worlds Museum Basel

The Toy Worlds Museum Basel in Basel is particularly well-suited for families, kids, and anyone with an interest in the history of childhood playthings. Visitors can expect an engaging experience exploring diverse collections of antique teddy bears, classic dolls, and detailed contemporary miniatures. With themes centered on history and local heritage, the museum appeals to multiple generations, from children discovering historic toys to adults appreciating the craftsmanship of the displays. The inclusion of an on-site shop and restaurant makes it a comfortable, complete cultural outing for all ages.

A Visual Preview of Toy Worlds Museum Basel

Visual previews of the Toy Worlds Museum Basel showcase its historic corner building facade in Basel, featuring large exhibition windows. Inside, close-up images highlight the delicate craftsmanship of vintage dolls, miniature grocery shops, and classic teddy bears. These photographs capture the whimsical atmosphere and detailed historic displays that await visitors.

A vintage Kewpie doll with large blue eyes, a tuft of reddish hair, and a white smocked dress standing against a light blue fabric background

See museum photos gallery

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Guides, visitor info, and museum details in Basel

Find everything about Toy Worlds Museum Basel in one place, including tickets, opening hours, current exhibitions, location details, visitor tips, nearby attractions, and the latest museum updates. Use these pages to plan your visit, discover what to see, and get practical information before you go.

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