Hessisches Puppen- und Spielzeugmuseum

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1983 at the initiative of the city of Hanau and the state of Hesse. Its core is the collection of Gertrud Rosemann, which the city acquired and placed in the hands of a non-profit sponsoring association. This association still runs the museum today; many tasks such as visitor services, doll advice and museum education are carried out by volunteers.

The museum is housed in the arcade building of the former spa grounds of Wilhelmsbad, which the state of Hesse provides. It is run by a museum director with academic training.

The collection spans ancient toys, princely dolls, bourgeois doll's houses and toy shops, mechanical dolls, circus items and modern materials such as celluloid. Since 2016 it has been deliberately expanded to include toys, mainly made of tin. The tour is complemented by an annual exhibition that changes every year, hands-on stations, a museum café and a Carrera track. In 2023 the state of Hesse named the museum "Museum of the Month".

Highlights

• Gertrud Rosemann Collection from antiquity to the circus
• Doll's houses, doll's rooms and toy shops
• Mechanical dolls and historic tin toys
• Cabinet of curiosities and hands-on stations for families
• Carrera track available to book
• Museum café in Wilhelmsbad State Park

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerausstellung: Puppen und Spielzeug von A bis Z – A tour through the Rosemann Collection, from ancient toys through doll's houses and toy shops to mechanical dolls and the circus.

Founded

1983

Operated by

Hessisches Puppen- und Spielzeugmuseum Hanau-Wilhelmsbad e.V. (Trägerverein)

Director

David Kühner

Admission & discounts

Annual passes available for families, adults and children. Members of the sponsoring association have free admission. The annual exhibition is included in the admission price.

Accessibility

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

The museum is on the first floor and can be reached on request by an assisted platform lift. Apart from low door thresholds, the building is step-free.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Cabinet of curiosities and hands-on stations for playing, crafting and painting; holiday programmes for groups. Children's birthday parties from age 5 on written request (90 euros, 120 euros with Carrera track).

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in Hanau-Wilhelmsbad State Park.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Museum café with about 25 seats (coffee, tea, cold drinks, pastries, mostly cake).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Celebrations, family gatherings, coffee parties, receptions and corporate events, also outside opening hours by arrangement.

Plan your visit