Toy library - Toy Museum

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Museum

District: Évora > Évora > Évora

Location

Situated in the heart of the Jardim Público de Évora (Évora Public Garden), the Toy Library - Toy Museum is integrated into the Almeida Margiochi Playground area. The building, with simple lines and warm-toned facades, is set within a wooded and welcoming environment, where the shade of the trees creates a pleasant refuge on the hottest days. The surroundings are tranquil and inviting, ideal for families seeking a relaxed space in the historic center of the city.

Access is easily done on foot, via the paths that wind through the garden. Upon arrival, visitors find a cobblestone courtyard with benches, tables, and wooden toys, in a space designed for free play and intergenerational connection.

Origin and History

The Évora Toy Library was inaugurated in 1979, coinciding with the International Year of the Child. Created as the country's first public toy library, it was established with the purpose of valuing the right to play and promoting equal access to games and learning through play. The project was conceived by Dr. Josette Cardoso, whose dedication marked the institution's history.

During the 1980s, the Toy Library expanded its mission with the creation of a small Toy Museum, the result of contributions from local collectors, among whom Eng. Arbués Moreira stood out. Since then, the space has gathered exhibits that bear witness to the evolution of toys and ways of playing throughout the 20th century.

Atmosphere and Exhibition

Inside, the atmosphere is serene and welcoming. The rooms are filled with toys, games, books, and play-pedagogical materials, organized to stimulate the imagination and creativity of children. Educators accompany the play sessions, providing moments of discovery and group learning.

The Toy Museum, located in the same wing, presents collections ranging from traditional wooden and wire toys to mechanical, military, and musical examples. Highlights also include dollhouses, board games, and an old electric train that continues to arouse curiosity among young and old alike.

Outdoor Space and Playful Environment

The outdoor space is a natural extension of the toy library. Under the canopy of trees, there are wooden structures that invite play and contact with nature. There are areas for traditional games, creative activities, and moments of rest. Children run, paint, invent, and build in a safe and unhurried environment.

The area is also the venue for regular workshops and activities involving families, schools, and groups of different ages, reinforcing the community and educational character of the space.

Cultural and Educational Value

More than just a leisure space, the Toy Library - Toy Museum represents a living testimony to the importance of play in human development. Through its collections and activities, it promotes the appreciation of play heritage and encourages intergenerational encounters, recalling toys and games that marked various eras.

With over four decades of history, it continues to be a symbol of education through play and the preservation of collective memories that are part of the identity of Évora and the country.