On 5 October 2024, the revamped Mechelen Toy Museum celebrated its grand opening, a weekend entirely dedicated to play and fun, with plenty of surprises for young and old. The opening weekend was the ideal activity for families and visitors to Mechelen. Since its opening in April 1982, Speelgoedmuseum Mechelen has welcomed almost 3 million visitors to the museum. The new museum cost 4,450,000 euros.
Photo Toy Museum Mechelen X Anabel
A Grand Farewell and a New Start
The party started in a special way. At 9:20 am, a life-size teddy bear waved goodbye to the old museum building in Nekkerspoelstraat. Together with the first visitors, the bear took the train to Mechelen station, where the new museum is located. At 10:00 am, the doors opened and visitors could enjoy numerous animations, games and gadgets.
general director Toy Museum Mechelen
Tot Museum Mechelen X Anabel
As a blogger, I have visited the old Toy Museum countless times to make reports about the start of temporary exhibitions. These often revolved around specific themes, such as 52 years of Fabeltjeskrant, the expo 60 years of LEGO, Mini-Expo Samson & Gert, On Roadtrip with Oldtimers and many more. You can find these reports on my video channel Traveltopper.
It therefore gives me great pleasure that the people who dedicatedly cared for the Mechelen Toy Museum every day can now continue their passion in a well-deserved, brand-new building under the railway tracks of the spectacular, ultra-modern NMBS train station that is still under construction.
Entertainment and Fun for the Whole Family
During the opening weekend, families were warmly welcomed by mascot Rommy from Mechelen Kinderstad, who handed out gadgets. Inside the museum, visitors could play challenging games such as Hop Up and Smart. The museum café was transformed into a playful oasis, where children could colour and play. At the end of their visit, everyone was given a pack of wax crayons and a colourful balloon to take home.
at gleodew Toy Museum Mechelen
Photo Toy Musuem Mechelen X Anabel
An Interactive Museum Experience
The new Toy Museum Mechelen not only offers visitors a glimpse into the world of historical and modern toys, but also invites them to actively participate. Playing, building, listening and discovering were central. With four core questions – What is playing?, How has playing evolved?, Why do we play?, and Who plays? – visitors made an interactive journey through the history of toys. From building a soapbox to playing a museum game: there was something for everyone.
but also experience for young and old
Photo Speelgoedmuseum X Anabel
The daily exhibition shows around 900 toys. A small part of these come from the old museum, but toys were also acquired or loaned from other museums to tell the new story of the Mechelen Toy Museum. The largest part of the collection, consisting of 35,000 pieces, is stored in the 700 square meter depot. However, around 6,500 toys did not make the move.
A repurposing project was underway for these pieces. First, the original donors were contacted, if they were still available. In addition, toys were donated to museums at home and abroad, where they could be a valuable addition to their heritage collection. As a final step, part of the collection would be sold or donated, but that will only happen after the opening of the new museum.
there is something for everyone.
Photo Trixie_Brecht Vermeesch
The renovated Toy Museum Mechelen will enter into a partnership with the Sportimonium, located in the Hofstade recreation area, for the next five years. This partnership will bring traveling exhibitions to the museum, with the first exhibition starting in 2026. It will be entirely dedicated to sports and games.
In addition to these exhibitions, the exhibition space of the Toy Museum will continue to be the stage for numerous play events. Think of swap meets, family happenings, Sinterklaas activities and even receptions. All of this ensures a dynamic and interactive experience for young and old.
Photo Trixie_Brecht Vermeesch
Easily Accessible and for Everyone
The museum, now located in Mechelen station, was easily accessible during the opening weekend. This made the museum an ideal family outing, but tourists and school groups were also very welcome. The extensive collection of toys from different time periods and cultures offered visitors a unique experience.
Missed the Festive Opening Weekend?
Don’t miss the festive opening weekend and visit the renovated Toy Museum Mechelen! The museum remains a fun outing for young and old, where you can play and discover to your heart’s content. Come along and experience a world full of creativity and play!
More info: https: //speelgoedmuseum.be/ – http://tickets.speelgoedmuseum.be/
Koning Albertplein 2B, 2800 Mechelen (Kiss & Ride zone Mechelen Station)
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Text Verschueren Eddy / Photos Toy Museum Mechelen