The Benaki Toy Museum opens its doors this weekend

Date: 
Thursday, 19 October, 2017

We would like to extend a joyous welcome to all, young and old alike, at a celebration to mark the opening of the Toy Museum on Sunday 22 October 2017 between 10:00 and 18:00, at the “Toy Castle”, 14 Poseidonos Avenue and Tritonos street, Palaio Faliro.

The holdings of the Benaki Toy Museum, based on the collection of Maria Argyriadi that is among the most important in Europe, include toys, books, ephemera, clothing and other items associated with childhood from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

The Greek collection features toys and other items for infants and children dating from antiquity to modern times: handmade traditional toys, fairground and commercially-produced toys, board games and group street games as well as childhood customs. A special display showcases toys made by members of Social Clubs for the Elderly based on memories from their childhood.

The European collection includes urban and folk toys between the 18th and 20th centuries, mostly from England, France and Germany, as well as European-made dolls dressed in traditional costume from various areas of Greece.

The Benaki Toy Museum is housed in an eclectic-style building dating from 1897–1900. It was donated by Vera Kouloura in accordance with the wishes of her husband, Captain Athanasios Koulouras, a benefactor from the island of Hydra. The building’s architecture combines neo-Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau elements.

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