Portuguese Toy Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Viana do Castelo > Ponte de Lima > Arcozelo

Location

The Portuguese Toy Museum is located in the parish of Arcozelo, in the municipality of Ponte de Lima, district of Viana do Castelo. It is situated on the right bank of the Lima River, benefiting from a scenic natural setting.

Its proximity to the imposing historic bridge contributes to the picturesque atmosphere and makes it easily recognizable for visitors to the area, offering a particularly appealing visual backdrop for the museum.

The Building and Its Spaces

The Portuguese Toy Museum is housed in the Casa do Arnado, a former farmhouse that has been carefully adapted to accommodate this unique collection. The restoration of this historic space to house a collection dedicated to childhood creates an inviting atmosphere full of contrasts, where traditional architecture serves as a backdrop to the memory of play.

In addition to the main exhibition rooms, the visitor's route extends to other complementary spaces within the complex. It includes a pleasant garden, a Playroom where interaction is encouraged, and a Toy Workshop, which enrich the experience for all ages. There is also a space reserved for temporary exhibitions, which bring new perspectives on the world of toys.

The Collection and the History of Portuguese Toys

At the heart of the museum lies its vast permanent exhibition, entirely dedicated to toys made in Portugal. This collection invites visitors on an authentic journey through time, covering a period from the late 19th century to the year 1986.

The items are organized chronologically, grouped by decades, allowing visitors to observe the evolution of national design, materials, and manufacturing techniques. This collection is a valuable testament to the creativity and ingenuity of Portuguese manufacturers over nearly a century, also reflecting the social and cultural changes that influenced the production and popularity of toys in the country.

Diversity of Toys and Playful Memories

Throughout the museum's rooms, one can find numerous and varied examples of the Portuguese world of play. The collection ranges from older items, such as rattles and tinplate flutes, to wooden toys, papier-mâché, and the popular plastic objects that marked successive generations.

It is possible to admire colorful wooden beach pails, delicate paste dolls, a variety of vehicles such as trucks, boats, and trains, tricycles, pedal cars, and iconic figures like the PVC Smurfs. This scope illustrates not only the richness of the materials used but also the vast range of toys produced in Portugal during the period on display.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt