Muzeum Zabawek w Karpaczu

About the museum

The Miejskie Muzeum Zabawek (Municipal Toy Museum) was established by resolution of the Karpacz Town Council of 28 February 1995. The basis of the collection is a collection of toys gathered from around the world by Henryk Tomaszewski, a mime and founder of the Wrocław Pantomime Theatre, who donated it to the commune of Karpacz in 1994. Residents of the town made a major contribution to the founding of the museum.

The collection covers about three hundred years of toymaking: from 18th-century nativity figurines, through porcelain dolls of the 19th century, to 20th-century toys from Poland and abroad, including from Japan, Australia, Mexico, Russia and Germany. The display cases were designed and painted by the Kraków stage designer Kazimierz Wiśniak.

Since May 2012 the museum has been housed in the renovated building of the former railway station at ul. Kolejowa. Tomaszewski’s toys are shown on the ground floor, and the upper floor serves temporary exhibitions. An additional attraction is the railway hall, with exhibits from the Muzeum Przemysłu i Kolejnictwa na Śląsku (Museum of Industry and Railways in Silesia) in Jaworzyna Śląska and from the museum’s own collection, including a three-metre goods wagon, a ticket office and miniature railways.

Highlights

• Henryk Tomaszewski’s toy collection spanning about three hundred years
• Porcelain dolls from the 19th century and nativity figurines from the 18th century
• Display cases designed by Kazimierz Wiśniak
• Railway hall with a goods wagon and miniature railways
• Housed in the former railway station building
• Audio guides and museum café

Permanent exhibitions

• Zabawki Henryka Tomaszewskiego – A collection of toys from about three hundred years, from 18th-century nativity figurines to 20th-century toys, shown on the ground floor.
• Sala kolejnictwa – Room with railway exhibits, a goods wagon, a ticket office and miniature railways.

Founded

1995

Operated by

Gmina Karpacz

Admission & discounts

Up to 5% discount for individual guests with a museum leaflet. Discounts cannot be combined and do not apply on Wednesdays.

Accessibility

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

Entry is from street level, through double doors without a threshold. The ticket office, shop and café have lowered counters. There is a toilet for people with disabilities on the ground floor, a lift serves the upper floor, and a platform serves the gallery. The building has no induction loops or Braille signage; benches for resting have been placed in several places.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

The museum has a self-play zone for children, a baby changing table in the toilet, and allows entry with pushchairs and carriers on metal frames. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Family tickets 2+2 and 2+3 are available.

Getting there & parking

The museum is housed in the former railway station building at ul. Kolejowa 3 in Karpacz.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

The museum has a café (coffee, tea, cakes from local confectioners, hot chocolate and juices for children), a shop, a cloakroom and lockers.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit