Speelgoedmuseum Mechelen

About the museum

Speelgoedmuseum Mechelen has existed since 1982 and holds a collection of game and toy heritage of more than 30,000 objects. It includes toys from our regions from the Middle Ages to the present, with the emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum is run by an independent vzw, with support from the City of Mechelen, the Flemish government, the National Lottery and the NMBS.

On 5 October 2024 the museum opened at a new location, at the kiss & ride zone of Mechelen station, with a new concept and a new museum narrative. The building was designed by PRO FORMa studio and Sofie Ooms architecten, in collaboration with IRS Studiebureau. The museum display is the work of Duinzand museale projecten, PRO FORMa studio and the museum itself.

The visitor moves through four rooms and in each room looks for an answer to a question: what is play, how did we play in the past and how do we play now, why do we play and who actually plays. Alongside carefully chosen collection pieces there are countless play experiences, and with a personal wristband you score points in an overarching museum game and activate extra information at the display cases.

The current display shows only part of the collection. The rest is in storage and occasionally features in a temporary exhibition. The museum also has a documentation centre and library, which cannot currently be consulted because the storage is being moved.

Highlights

• Collection of more than 30,000 game and toy objects from the Middle Ages to the present
• Four rooms with countless play experiences and a museum game with a personal wristband
• Depth screens at the display cases with extra information about the objects
• Museum café with play corner and board games
• Decompression room and sensory autism case

Permanent exhibition

• Vaste opstelling in vier zalen – A playful journey through games and toys past and present, with collection pieces, depth screens and countless play experiences.

Founded

1982

Operated by

Speelgoedmuseum Mechelen vzw

Director

Niek De Meester

Admission & discounts

Free admission with the Riebedebiepas. The museumPASSmusées is accepted (booking is recommended). With an online ticket, an NMBS voucher code for 40% discount on the train journey is included automatically. School groups pay €8.70 (nursery and primary) or €10.20 (secondary and higher) per pupil for the basic package; one teacher per 15 children goes free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The whole museum is on one level, with enough space to turn for wheelchairs and buggies. From the back of the station, take the stairs or lift down to the entrance. Occasionally collection items stand in front of the display case so you can touch them. A guide ‘Liever lezen dan luisteren?’ (Rather read than listen?) contains the written-out listening fragments. There is a decompression room in room 3 and an autism case with sensory aids. A preparatory guide and a floor plan can be downloaded.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

The museum is ‘approved for and by children’ (blue dot of museumPASSmusées, 2026). There is something for every age; most activities target primary school children. On arrival, every visitor receives a wristband for the museum game and the extra information, and in room 4 you will find play corners and larger play set-ups. There is a changing table in the first-aid room next to the lockers, a breastfeeding room and a microwave on request. Birthday parties are possible for children aged 5 to 10.

Getting there & parking

Address for the GPS: Koning Albertplein 2B, or ‘Parking Station Mechelen P1’. The station area is under construction, so the situation may change from week to week. Private buses can drop off groups via Bautersemstraat 66.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Museum café, open 10:00–17:00, with play corner and board games; at weekends and during school holidays there are extra lunch options. Eating and drinking are only allowed in the museum café. Lockers are in the entrance hall next to the toilets, and there is a cloakroom. The museum shop is open during opening hours. Wi-Fi is listed under the facilities.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Rooms for events and meetings are available for hire; information is in a brochure on the website. The Grote Zaal (Great Hall) is not available from 15 March to December 2026 due to the museum's own programme.

Plan your visit