Prague
Permanent collection

Discover the 'Look for a Toy' Exhibition: A Centuries-Spanning Collection of Toys in Prague

Explore a captivating journey through historical dolls, tin soldiers, wooden crafts, and groundbreaking Czech designer toys.

The 'Look for a Toy' exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague invites visitors to explore a rich history of playthings. This permanent display features an extensive collection spanning the 18th century to the present, highlighting diverse materials and craftsmanship. Encounter historic dolls, intricate dollhouses, classic tin soldiers, and innovative Czech designer toys, including renowned inflatable designs. Immerse yourself in the world of childhood artifacts and cultural design.

About Look for a Toy at House at the Black Madonna in Prague

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Look for a Toy at House at the Black Madonna in Prague

Exhibition summary

This permanent exhibition showcases the extensive toy collection of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, dating from the 18th century to the present. It features a wide array of materials including wood, metal, porcelain, and plastic, with a focus on dolls, dollhouses, tin soldiers, and unique Czech designer toys.

Curatorial context

The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague holds a significant collection of approximately 3,500 toys, primarily from the Bohemian Lands and German-speaking regions, collected since its inception in 1885. The 'Look for a Toy' exhibition presents a curated selection of these items, divided into three thematic parts. The first part features historic French and German dolls, dollhouses reflecting period decor, and multi-piece tin and lead toy soldiers from the 19th century. It also includes building and construction kits and board games, highlighting their role in entertainment and education. The second part is dedicated to beloved wooden toys from the 19th and 20th centuries, showcasing a variety of manufacturing approaches and themes, from traditional folk art to stylized designs and jigsaw puzzles. The third section highlights toys made from later materials such as plastics and rubber, reflecting technological innovations of the 20th century. This includes works by Czech designer Libuše Niklová for Fatra Napajedla, which have gained international recognition for their innovative inflatable designs.

Admission and ticket notes

Admission details are provided for the Kamenice nad Lipou Chateau, which appears to be a separate branch or location. Information regarding ticketing for the "Look for a Toy" exhibition at the main Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague is not explicitly available on this page.

Look for a Toy key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Look for a Toy at House at the Black Madonna in Prague

Venue
House at the Black Madonna
Current status
Permanent collection
Exhibition schedule
Permanent display (no announced closing date)
Artist line / attribution
Features inflatable animals designed by Czech toy designer Libuše Niklová for the company Fatra Napajedla.
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