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Vicinity
+ Vicinity
Walk/Drive
Food&Drink
In The Know
Did You Know?
( Highly Recommended )
The Museum of Childhood actually started life in 1856 in South Kensington as a temporary wing of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Its elaborate, typically Victorian ironwork structure was then moved wholesale to Bethnal Green and, aside from comfy carpets, new glass cases and a 1990s café, little has changed since. Today it is still part of the V&A and is a shrine to childhood and all the accoutrements that go with it; from birthing stools to children's wartime gas masks, from Javanese shadow puppets and Steiff teddy bears to Sonic the Hedgehog and Teletubbies. Parents should note that the museum is as much for adults as for children, documenting social trends and changes through the medium of play. Many toys date back centuries and several are exquisite hand-made pieces. The museum is particularly renowned for its collection of doll's houses, most of which were never intended as playthings. Its doll collection is also comprehensive and includes some outstanding Japanese ceremonial dolls. Parents and grandparents get dewy eyed reminiscing about long-lost, long-forgotten toys while their offspring amuse themselves at various play areas around the museum. There are regular children's activities and events workshops, theatre productions and a soft-play area is open each Sunday.
Address: Cambridge Heath Road
Phone: (020) 8980 2415 (24-hour information) WEBSITE: www.vam.ac.uk
Open: Sat-Thu 10-5:50
Restaurant: Café (sandwiches only) (Inexpensive)
Metro: Bethnal Green
Accessible: Excellent Phone: (020) 8983 5205
Admission: Free
Practical: Lovely park next door for picnics
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