Toys through time

Step through the toyshop doors and enter a world of whimsy, nostalgia and fun.

From peg dolls to Barbie, tin soldiers to spacemen, come and see over 200 original toys and treasures that capture the spirit of play and the creativity of Sydney’s unique toy story.

Take a fascinating look back at the beloved toys of generations of Sydneysiders and discover the stories of our city’s toy manufacturers and famed toy sellers. With an absorbing mix of the familiar and the forgotten, the exhibition promises a captivating trip down memory lane for people of all ages.

Let your imagination fly as you follow the kids' trail through the exhibition to the play space, where you can play traditional games and make your own toy to take home.

You’ve never seen such an amazing collection in all your life! Toys of every kind to thrill and delight you – quaint old toys, brilliant new ones, strange toys, familiar toys, wonderful toys… an attraction for young and old!

Menu from The Children’s Restaurant, Farmer & Co Department Store​, 1930s.

Past exhibition

  • 28 March 2015 - 9 August 2015

More

Dressed wax doll named Charlotte, 1853

A doll named Charlotte

Charlotte the doll has a wax head, wax arms and legs and a cloth body. She has a wardrobe which includes a finely pleated and piped cream silk dress, knitted cotton socks and black leather shoes

Sydney Opera House Barbie doll

An icon wearing an icon: Sydney Opera House Barbie

Stepping away from her signature pink, Barbie honours the Sydney Opera House with more subtle tones in her gown, that reflect the Opera House and its Harbourside location

Child's stoneware tea set

Child's play

The imagination of a child can turn the simplest toy into a prized possession