Museum of Shanghai Toys

Time seems to have stopped in this charming gem of a museum filled with toys of yesteryears tucked away in a shop house in Little India.

Believed to be the first of its kind in the region, the Museum of Shanghai Toys provides a nostalgic trip down memory lane for many of us with its collection of vintage toys from China.

The story of the museum is one of dreams and passion. It all began in 1989 when the owner, Marvin Chan, bought a few tin toys from his childhood in a toy shop in Malaysia. As his passion for toys grew, so did his collection.

Within 2 years, he has managed to amass almost 200 toys. Trips to toy museums around the world made him realise that there was not much emphasis on China-made toys. Wishing to do his part as a Chinese, the idea for a Chinese toy museum took shape, and the Museum of Shanghai Toys was born.

Why the focus on toys from Shanghai? According to Marvin, it is because before the 1980s, toys from China were mostly made in Shanghai. The museum has 3 storeys of antique Shanghai toys from as early as 1910 to the 1970s. From the quaint dolls to the fighter planes, each of these toys has a story to tell. When you look at them, it is like looking at a piece of Chinese history.

The museum is a great way to reminisce about your childhood or to show your children the toys that Daddy and Mummy used to play with. Remember to pick up a souvenir at the toy store on the first floor before you leave.

Guided tours by the curator are also available for booking. Please contact the museum for more information.

Address
83 Rowell Road, Singapore 208015

Tel: (65) 6294 7747
Fax: (65) 6294 7531

Opening Hours
Tue to Sun: 11.00am - 7.00pm
Mon: Closed

Admission
Adult: SGD 8 (SGD 5 for POSB, DBS, UOB, OCBC card holders)
Child/Student: SGD 5 (SGD 3 for POSB, DBS, UOB, OCBC card holders)

Getting There
By MRT: Nearest: Little India (NE7)
By Bus: 23, 64, 65, 66, 67, 130, 139, 147, 857

As bus services are subject to change, please refer to SBS Transit for latest information.

Website
Museum of Shanghai Toys
Museum of Shanghai Toys Blog

Related books
Toy Collectibles

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