The Toy Museum of NY

We had a great time visiting the toy museum! There was a fun show that we watched. I recommend it!

I don’t know about the previous location but the one on Smith Street (2^nd Floor) is about 300 sq ft (no, seriously). We actually thought that it was a room «part» of the «museum» where they had puppet shows for groups of maybe 15 – 20 people (no, seriously). So, I don’t know how to explain my disappointment but this place sucked (no, seriously). Went upstairs… sat down in one of the 10 chairs they had out to this «sold out» show, staff suggested that the kids sit on the cold, cement floor for the best view and then… tadaaaaa…3 enthusiastic people dressed in black popped out from behind the cut out board and introduced their puppets, yada yada yada. Ferdinand the bull was the first of 3 «shows».ok, this one was cute but Goldilocks was painful and the 3 Little Pigs was just a sorry excuse for a show, dreadful. We purchased a Time Out deal or something so I think we paid $ 12 for parent/​child… felt ripped off that is how bad it was. Once it was finally over, they literally pulled away some sheet or curtain, whatever was covering this wall unit, yes, a WALL UNIT that had toys behind some plexiglass. The display was, no joke, about 10 feet long… that is it… that is your toy museum!!! NEVER, EVER… EVER…EVER…did I mention EVER, will we waste our money here AGAIN. This is not a museum, my son’s playroom has more toys than this room.

Sweet! I went in looking for inspiration for my 365GPIL project (it was about a puzzle), and the nicest lady seemed to be waiting for me with the coolest puzzle box on the main table! The atmosphere is enchanted, I’ll totally be back.

I just love this Museum!
Their mission is to educate the public on the importance of dolls and
toys in our culture, history and art.
The name reflects the Museum’s coveted distinction, by the New York
State Department of Education, as the holder of the only New York
Charter for a toy museum.
The Museum’s educational philosophy uses toys as a teaching aide for
school subjects such as history and social studies. The exhibitions
are set up using the Museum’s innovation and ingenuity, and proven
success displaying toys — along with informative signage — to
educate children about historic events such as the Invention of the
Airplane, Automobiles, Child’s Past and Immigration, just to name a
few.
The exhibitions have been on display through partnerships with the New
York Transit Museum, the South Street Seaport Museum as well as many
other prominent museums throughout the USA and libraries in New York
City.
At first I thought this Museum would really appeal mainly to adults.
But children are known for getting really sophisticated expensive toys
and then playing in a card board box. You would be surprised at the
fascination your children might have with toys of a bygone era. And
yes you will too! Your children will see another side of you!
They even have a new Toy Museum Children’s Theatre.
Live entertainment where pretend toys come to life!
Free event, limited seating, first come basis.
Like many Museums in NY they offer birthday party packages that
include Decorate-​Your-​Own Crafts Project (Melissa & Doug products)
Plates, napkins and utensils
Balloons
Discount coupons for revisiting the Museum
Juice boxes and Pizza
1 ½ hour party includes painting time
Museum admission for additional family & friends (up to 15)
They even offer «Toy Camps» where children learn to master Chess and
arts and crafts.

This place was cute but it was hard to find (its located in an old espical church), since there was no sign outside even saying the museum was inside. When I walked in, I was dissapointed with how small the place was, it was as big as a standard nyc public school classroom, maybe a bit smaller. The variety and amount of toys were lacking, and it just wasn’t that interesting and worth the $ 10 entrance fee. And the «gift shop» sells ultimate crap. Although, our tour guide was very friendly and informative, so kudos to him!

Although hard to find, it is a wonderful museum of TOYS! There is a very nice tour guide there too! You will be amazed by all of the old toys. It is GREAT for children with big imaginations! It is WONDERFUL!