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The V&A Museum of Childhood
London
The V&A Museum of Childhood will appeal to all children (as well as children-at-heart!) As well as its permanent displays, the Museum has temporary exhibitions and various interactive play areas. Part of the Visctoria and Albert Museum, The V&A Museum of Childhood has been collecting objects from childhoods since 1872.
The extensive collection, which dates from the sixteenth century to the present day is permanently on display to visitors, comprises dolls, dolls' houses, teddy bears, toy soldiers, train sets, model cars, puppets, rocking horses, board games, and some of the very first jigsaw puzzles ever made. With its unique display of baby equipment, nursery furniture and children's costume, the gallery explores the experience of childhood, from birth to adolescence.
And it’s not just old stuff either- with figures from the Incredibles to Barbie dolls all going on display alongside Victorian toys and games. In addition to its toys, the Museum houses the national collection of children's costume. The upper gallery is devoted to the theme of growing up through the ages, whether it is in the Victorian age, swinging Sixties or the 2000s.
Opening Times: Open daily from 10.00am - 5.45pm (last admission is at 5.30pm)
Closed on the 24th, 25th and 26th December and 1st January
Admission to the museum is free.
Main Image Credit - Flickr - Reading Tom