National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

The Toy and Miniature Museum is housed in a 102-year old mansion and spans approximately 3,065 square metres of exhibition space. Situated on the University of Missouri Kansas City campus, a trip to this beautiful museum will whisk you away to a more innocent, carefree time.

Local people have come together to build the exhibition by donating toys from their private collections, to make it one of the biggest display of its kind. From dollhouses to trains, miniatures to marbles, visitors will be dazzled by the sheer volume of pieces in pristine condition.

Hours of enjoyment can be had perusing the over 100 doll houses, with some up to 200 years old. Make sure to catch the oldest doll in residence, she comes from mid 18th-century and has real human hair! Marvel at the 3-metre high dollhouse that boasts running water and gas.

Next up is one for the boys, with a vast array of metal automotive toys on display. Eyes will pop at the trains, planes, trucks and cars from the Victorian period onward. Don't miss the interactive marble room which has over 1 million marbles – the largest collection in the Midwest. International toys feature too with contributions from England, France and Russia.

Without doubt one of the most fascinating exhibits on display are the miniatures. These are generally located in the dollhouses and are working reproductions of furniture and art created by incredibly skilled craftsmen. The level of detail is phenomenal. American craftsman William Robertson has perfected his craft over 25 years and exhibits his work in the Toy and Miniature Museum.

Parking is available and free or you could take the bus from downtown which stops nearby. The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday unless it’s a public holiday. There is a small entrance charge and children aged 5 and under can enter for free.