Transforming nostalgia
into action...
Our Mission
Our mission is to preserve and celebrate the world of play by founding a museum in our nation’s capital that sparks imagination, honors childhood creativity, and connects generations through the history and cultural impact of toys.
We transform nostalgia into action by funding and facilitating donations of toys, expanding access to joyful spaces, and supporting communities where play is limited or inaccessible.
We believe that play is a universal right of childhood, and that every young person deserves the chance to explore, imagine, and grow.
Planned Exhibits
The National Toy Museum will include a variety of exhibits, such as:
Permanent displays of the most culturally and historically significant toys.
Interactive and Immersive exhibits where visitors can touch, build, test, or play with toys. Did you ever imagine what it would be like to fly around your house in your favorite toy airplane, or drive your favorite toy car across your kitchen floor?
Learn about how the production, art, and design of toys contributes to their popularity and enjoyment, and how the process of craftsmanship and manufacturing toys has developed over time.
Toys and Technology exhibits educate visitors on the influence of science, engineering and technical advancements on the evolution of toys. Learn how the advent of new technologies in our lives were transformed into popular toys for children.
Reflect on toys as cultural artifacts that teach children about the societies they inhabit. Learn how marketing strategies have shaped stereotypes, mirrored social inequalities, and how toy manufacturers have tried to challenge young minds.
We will also have rotating exhibitions of the next generation of toys for visitors to experience the toys that generations will enjoy.
The Giving Shop
The National Toy Museum invites visitors to join in our mission to turn nostalgia into action through the opportunity to purchase gifts in our Giving Shop that will be donated to children.
We hope that through visiting our museum, you’ll not only have fun, but will have a chance to reflect on your own childhood, and consider supporting families in need across the country.
The National Toy Museum believes that play is a universal right of childhood and hope that through your participation, we can expand access to joy in communities where play is limited or inaccessible.
Contact Us
Do you have skills, knowledge, or experience that would help make The National Toy Museum a reality? We could use your help! We are also interested to hear from anyone who has items that could go on display. Fill out the form below to get in touch with our team.