Museum of Forgotten Toys Moscow

A Journey Back to Childhood

The Museum of Forgotten Toys Moscow is a whimsical time capsule that transports visitors to the Soviet era. Located in a cozy 19th-century building near Kurskaya Metro, this museum celebrates the toys that shaped generations of Russian children. From tin soldiers to hand-carved wooden dolls, every exhibit tells a story of creativity, scarcity, and resilience.

Why Visit the Museum of Forgotten Toys Moscow?

• Nostalgia: Relive the magic of Soviet childhood with iconic toys like Nevalyashka dolls and Iron Felix trains.
• Cultural Insight: Understand how Soviet ideology influenced toy design, from propaganda-themed board games to space-themed models.
• Interactive Fun: Hands-on exhibits let you play with replicas of vintage toys.

Key Exhibits to Explore

• Soviet Toy Hall:
  • Nevalyashka Dolls: The wobbly wooden dolls symbolizing resilience (“you can’t knock me down”).
  • Iron Felix Trains: Tin trains named after Felix Dzerzhinsky, founder of the KGB.
  • Space-Themed Toys: Models of Sputnik and Vostok rockets, celebrating the USSR’s space race victories.
• Propaganda Playthings:
  • Board games teaching kids about socialism, like “Collective Farm Heroes” .
  • Puzzles featuring Lenin and other Soviet leaders.
• Rare Collectibles:
  • Porcelain Dolls: Hand-painted figurines from the 1930s.
  • DIY Toys: Homemade toys crafted during WWII when factories halted production.

Hidden Gems You Might Miss

• The Secret Drawer: Contains letters from children asking Santa for toys during the 1980s shortages.
• Sounds of Play: An audio installation recreating the clatter of tin toys and laughter of Soviet playgrounds.
• Forgotten Factories: Displays on defunct toy manufacturers like “Agat” and “Druzhba.”

Practical Information

• Location: Lubyanka Street, 25 (near Museum of Soviet Life ).
• Hours: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM (closed Tuesdays).
• Tickets:
  • Adults: 400 RUB
  • Kids: 200 RUB
  • Free for families visiting the Museum of Bread on the same day.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

• Join a Guided Tour: Learn about the symbolism behind Soviet toys.
• Participate in Workshops: Create your own Nevalyashka doll or paint a wooden soldier.
• Combine with Nearby Museums:
  • Museum of Soviet Life for context on daily Soviet routines.
  • State Historical Museum for tsarist-era toys.

The Cultural Significance of Soviet Toys

• Ideology in Play: Toys were tools to instill socialist values, like teamwork and patriotism.
• Scarcity and Creativity: During WWII, children played with handmade toys due to material shortages.
• Post-War Boom: The 1960s saw mass production of plastic toys inspired by Western designs.

Visitor Reviews

• “The Nevalyashka dolls brought back so many memories! I had one just like this as a kid.” — Irina, 45.
• “My kids loved the interactive zone where they could play with replicas of old toys.” — Alex, UK.

Future Plans for the Museum

• Expansion in 2024: New wing dedicated to post-Soviet toys from the 1990s.
• Collaborations: Joint exhibits with the Museum of Water on toys inspired by rivers and boats.

Conclusion

The Museum of Forgotten Toys Moscow is more than a collection of playthings—it’s a portal to the past. Every doll, train, and puzzle reflects the hopes, struggles, and joys of Soviet childhood.

• Historical Context:
  • Toys mirrored the political and economic climate of their time. For example, space-themed models celebrated the USSR’s achievements in science.
  • Propaganda toys taught children loyalty to the state.
• Modern Relevance:
  • The museum bridges generations, allowing grandparents to share stories with grandchildren.
  • It also highlights universal themes like creativity and resilience, which resonate globally.
• Why Return:
  • Rotating exhibits ensure new discoveries on every visit.
  • Seasonal workshops, like Christmas ornament-making, add variety.