Muzeum technických hraček Velvary
Museum in Velvary showing tinplate clockwork toys from 1840–1960 and a large electrified model railway with toys from 1920–1960.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The first part of the exhibition of the Muzeum technických hraček in Velvary, with railway toys from 1920–1960, opened in December 2015, and the second part in July 2017. The main partner of the project is the town of Velvary.
The exhibition is housed in the former savings bank building on náměstí Krále Vladislava. The collection focuses on tinplate clockwork toys from 1840–1960 from the Austro-Hungarian period and the First Czechoslovak Republic, and on toys from Czechoslovak factories. It also includes steam engines, a late 19th-century puppet theatre, dolls, home-made toys, and Christmas decorations and nativity scenes from 1850–1938.
The most striking part is the electrified track layout in gauge 0, with several tens of metres of track, operated by toys from 1920–1960, including products of the Merkur brand. In a small traffic office visitors can try the work of a train dispatcher, and in the workshop they can assemble models from the Merkur metal construction kit. The museum is part of a network of permanent toy exhibitions in several towns in Bohemia and Moravia.
Highlights
- electrified track layout with toys from 1920–1960
- tinplate clockwork toys from 1840–1960
- the first Czechoslovak metal construction kit, Inventor, from 1920–1925
- children's traffic office and a workshop with the Merkur construction kit
- toy shop with toys from the 1970s and 1980s
Permanent exhibitions
- Železniční hračky z let 1920–1960 – Interactive exhibition with a large electrified gauge 0 track and historic tinplate trains, including Merkur products.
- Mechanické plechové hračky z let 1840–1960 – Collection of Austro-Hungarian and First Republic tinplate toys, complemented by steam engines, a puppet theatre and dolls.
- Founded
- 2015
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 80 Kč |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 50 KčChildren, students and seniors. |
| Children & teens | 50 Kč |
| Seniors | 50 Kč |
| Students & apprentices | 50 Kč |
| Families | 180 KčFamily ticket for 2 adults and 1 to 4 children. |
Prices according to the museum's website; admission covers the whole tour of the exhibition.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | 180 Kč · Family ticket for 2 adults and 1 to 4 children. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
Children can try the work of a train dispatcher in the small traffic office and build a model from the Merkur construction kit in the workshop; family tickets apply.
Getting there & parking
The museum is housed in the former savings bank building on náměstí Krále Vladislava in Velvary; the museum's website gives no information on parking or transport.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The museum sells period toys from the 1970s and 1980s while stocks last, as well as toy reproductions.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours, demonstrations of mechanical toys, workshops with the Merkur construction kit for the youngest children, and educational programmes for schools are offered. On days other than weekends a prior telephone arrangement is required. |
