The Toy Museum of Colmar, at 40 Rue Vauban, gathers toys from the nineteenth century to the present, with rocking horses, board games, dolls and modern playthings. It is a nostalgic and cheerful museum, and adults tend to enjoy it as much as children, because everyone finds the toy they once owned. The collection covers many categories, from board games to dolls and modern playthings, and the displays let you follow how play has changed over generations. The booking page lists it as open Wednesday to Monday from ten to five and closed on Tuesdays, so check those days when you plan. The ticket is inexpensive, and combined tickets with the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle and Choco Story are sold, which makes it an easy add-on to a family day. Allow about an hour and a half, more if you are a collector or travelling with children who like to look at every case. The museum is a short walk from the old town centre.
What to look for
The collection runs from nineteenth-century rocking horses and board games to dolls and contemporary toys, and the pleasure is in spotting the ones you or your parents once owned. Children enjoy the sheer variety, and adults often find a childhood favourite. Check at the desk whether information is available in English.
When to go
Weekday mornings are quiet, and school holidays are busier. In December, when the Christmas markets draw large crowds, a museum visit offers welcome warmth and a break from the streets. It works as a plan B for rain, or as a calm half-hour after the busy squares. If you have a two-museum day, pair it with Choco Story, since the two are sold in a combined ticket, or with the Unterlinden Museum for a more cultural balance.
Practicalities
Entry is a few euros, and children are often charged less than adults. The booking page shows the entry ticket and several bundles, so choose whichever matches your plans. The museum is closed on Tuesdays, so avoid planning it for that day. Check access if you use a wheelchair or pushchair, and allow time to browse the shop, which sells classic toys. Weekend afternoons can be busier, and the museum is a short walk from the old town and the Unterlinden Museum, so it fits neatly into a day of sights.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided museum of toys and games arranged by theme and era.
Best time
Weekday mornings for quiet; any time on a wet day. Closed Tuesdays.
How long
About an hour to an hour and a half.
Tips
Avoid Tuesdays, consider a combined ticket, and allow time for the shop.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with children, collectors and anyone nostalgic about toys.
- Families
- One of the best family-friendly museums in town.
- Couples
- A light and fun hour, though not the main romantic stop.
- Pair with
- Choco Story, Haut-Koenigsbourg with a combined ticket, or the Unterlinden Museum.
- Time needed
- Ninety minutes.
Good questions
Where is the Toy Museum?+
It is at 40 Rue Vauban in Colmar, a short walk from the old town and the station.
When is it open?+
The booking page lists it as open Wednesday to Monday, 10:00 to 17:00, and closed on Tuesdays. Check your date.
How long should I allow?+
About an hour and a half. Collectors and children who like to read every label may take longer.
Are combined tickets available?+
Yes, combined tickets with the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle and with Choco Story are sold on the booking page.
Is it only for children?+
No. The collection runs from nineteenth-century toys to modern ones, and adults often enjoy the nostalgia as much as children do.
