Galleries
The Museum's permanent displays are arranged into three main galleries: Moving Toys, which showcases the Museum's extensive collection of moving and optical toys; Creativity, featuring examples of toys related to the development of imagination and creativity during childhood; and Childhood, which tells the social story of childhood using a variety of objects, from dolls' houses to children's clothing dating from the 1600s to the present day.
Moving Toys Gallery
The Moving Toys Gallery is divided into four sections - Pushes and Pulls, Springs and Cogs, Circuits and Motors and Look See. Some of the moving toys on display in the gallery include those that require a simple human action such as the push of a finger, toys that are powered by natural forces, for example wind, gravity and magnets, clockwork and friction toys, toys with motors powered either by mains electricity or batteries, and optical and electronic toys.
Creativity Gallery
Creativity is the ability to challenge, question and explore. Play helps children to develop social skills, and build confidence and self-esteem. Although creativity is often seen as being confined to the arts, it is fundamental to advances in science, maths, technology, politics, business, and all areas of everyday life. The Museum's Creativity Gallery is made up of four sections – Imagine, Be Inspired, Explore and Make it Happen.
Childhood Galleries
The Childhood Galleries house the Museum's permanent displays relating to the social history of childhood and are organised into the following themes: Babies, Home, What We Wear, Who Will I Be?, How We Learn, Good Times and Families.
