Permanent Displays
The Museum's permanent displays are arranged into three main galleries. Moving Toys, showcasing the Museum's collection of moving and optical toys, Creativity, exploring an inspiring array of objects and ideas, and Childhood which tells the social story of childhood using a variety of objects, from dolls' houses to contemporary children's clothing.
The Moving Toy Gallery
The toys on display here all move. Moving toys range from rocking horses to clockwork and battery-operated toys. Optical toys are a kind of moving toy that create special effects using pictures.
The Creativity Gallery
The Creativity Gallery is made up of four main areas - Imagine, Be Inspired, Explore and Make it Happen. Each area has interactive spaces where children and adults can express their own creative ideas.
The Childhood Galleries
The Childhood Galleries tell the social history of childhood using a variety of objects, from dolls' houses to contemporary children's fashion and design. Childhood is organised into the following themes: Babies, Home, What We Wear, Who Will I Be?, How We Learn, Good Times and Children in Trouble.
