Speelgoedmuseum Deventer

About the museum

Speelgoedmuseum Deventer holds the largest public toy collection in the Netherlands, with more than 14,000 objects used in Dutch households. The museum has existed since 1932, then as a branch of the Historical Museum of Deventer under the name Speelgoed- en Blikmuseum. After several moves and extensions, it has been housed at Brink 47 since 1983.

The rooms are located in two listed merchants' houses from the Hanseatic period, late medieval warehouses whose atmosphere has been deliberately preserved. The building was most recently completely rebuilt and renewed: instead of large halls, there are nine intimate rooms across 450 square metres, in which the collection is presented according to social themes such as the growth of prosperity, gender roles and technology.

The collection includes dolls and dolls' houses, trains, mechanical and optical toys, as well as board games and video games. A highlight is the tin drawing clown figure by Vielmetter from 1897, the only automaton in the collection. The museum sees itself as a family museum for all age groups: the exhibitions are meant to awaken memories and show what toys reveal about earlier generations.

Highlights

• Largest public toy collection in the Netherlands (over 14,000 objects)
• Two listed merchants' houses from the Hanseatic period with nine rooms
• Drawing clown by Vielmetter (1897), the only automaton in the collection
• Play floor, workshop and object theatre for hands-on activities
• Free audio tour and "Brinkietour" for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Spielzeugsammlung in neun Zimmern – The permanent display shows dolls, trains, mechanical toys and games in intimate rooms across 450 square metres, arranged by social themes.
• Speelzolder und Werkkamer (Spielboden und Werkraum) – Hands-on areas with a play circuit, puppet theatre, object theatre and a workshop where children design their dream toy.

Founded

1932

Operated by

Deventer Verhaal

Admission & discounts

Free with the Museumkaart, Rembrandtkaart, ICOM card and VriendenLoterij VIP-KAART. Tickets are available at the museum desk.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Only the ground floor is wheelchair accessible; the upper floors are not accessible because of many differences in level. There is an adapted entrance via a ramp, an accessible toilet and seating. Only registered assistance dogs are permitted. Most videos are subtitled.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties: not available

Of particular interest to children from about 5 years old; younger guests are welcome. There is a play floor, a workshop, object theatre, a baby-changing room with bottle warmer and regular activities (e.g. Knutsel-Klup). Because of the stairs, prams cannot be taken to the upper floors (baby carrier recommended). Children's birthday parties with presents and treats are not possible due to lack of space.

Getting there & parking

By car, follow the signs towards the centre from the A1, via Deventerweg, Zutphenseweg and Pothoofd to the Brink; follow the signs to the De Brink car park (about 100 metres on foot).

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Lockers

No museum café, but a vending machine with coffee, tea and hot chocolate as well as cold drinks. In the entrance area there are a few seats for drinks and food you bring yourself (no alcohol, ice cream or hot snacks). Cloakroom lockers are included in the admission.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit