The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

The Marvels of Imagination

Toy and Miniature Museum

At The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, visitors can engage with history, art, and imagination. The experience leaves all who explore the galleries with a sense of wonder, no matter their age. Experience for yourself the marvels of toys and miniatures in Kansas City.

a vintage lego set box
a miniature desk covered in gears and watch parts

The Museum’s Collections

View Collections

Toys

From dollhouses and games to green army men, Barbie dolls, and video game consoles, the Museum’s toy collection explores social and cultural history through the lens of toys from about 1690 to the present day.

Miniatures

See the incredible detail of fine-scale miniature artists’ handiwork, from miniature rooms and structures to individual miniatures, including musical instruments, paintings, decorative arts, tools, food, and beyond. All fine-scale miniatures are handmade by artists, often inspired by an existing full-scale object, and typically scaled to 1:12.

Experience the Museum

Exhibition Highlight:
The Nostalgia Awakens

Embark on an intergalactic voyage to see The Nostalgia Awakens: Retro Kenner Star Wars Action Figure Toys. This exhibition features every action figure toy made by Kenner Toys from 1978 to 1985 based on the original three Star Wars movies.

a view master toy

Step Into Imagination
and Innovation

Buy Tickets

Ornate fine-scale miniature chest with carvings on the front.

Testimonials

    • Image of toys from the 1990 including a troll and Beanie Baby.

      Aaron Schneider

      Lover of Nostalgic Toys

      "This museum is outstanding. Definitely not something I’ve experienced anywhere else, and I loved every bit of it. The miniatures will leave you astonished with the craftsmanship and beauty. With...

    • Fine-scale miniatures on a blue wall.

      Thresa Kussman

      Miniature Enthusiast

      "You’ll find yourself lost in time at this lovely space. Make sure you have an afternoon, a couple hours would require a follow-up visit! The collections have been carefully curated...

    • a wide vide of the toys art piece in the Museum's entry hall

      Angela Muir

      Lover of Nostalgic Toys

      “This is a unique and fun stop in Kansas City. Get ready to be taken back to your childhood in the upstairs toy galleries. You'll see all the popular toys...

    • two young girls consider a dollhouse on display behind a glass case

      Molly Sachs

      Lover of Nostalgic Toys

      “It was a great place to stop while in town visiting. The miniature dolls, furniture, houses etc were absolutely gorgeous and intricate. So much to look at and take in....

    • Miniature of fine-scale miniature architect's classroom.

      Hayley Staten

      Miniature Enthusiast

      "A trip down memory lane for all ages, and a view into the childhood environments for other generations! The miniatures collection is awe-inspiring. Unlike any art gallery in the world!...

    • Woman looking at historical Black Dolls displayed in a case.

      Shauné Hayes

      Portraits of Childhood: Black Dolls from the Collection of Deborah Neff

      "The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures in Kansas City is an absolute treasure! I was especially captivated by the Portraits of Childhood: Black Dolls collection of Deborah Neff. This...

    Celebrating Creativity in Every Scale

    The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures began with two visionaries who shared a passion for craftsmanship, childhood wonder, and the stories objects can tell. Today, their collections inspire joy, spark nostalgia, and celebrate history through meticulous artwork and cherished toys.

    See the Museum’s History and Mission

    Get Involved

    Volunteer to Spread the Joy

    The Museum encourages anyone to become a volunteer and spread joy to those who visit the collections.

    Become a Volunteer

    Create Lasting Memories

    The Museum welcomes group tours and field trips for any guest to share in its engaging collections.

    Explore Group Visits and Field Trips

    Be a Part of Something Meaningful

    Make meaningful connections and join a community program designed to bring visitors together.

    Explore Community Programs

    Donate Your Toys and Miniatures

    If you have toys or fine-scale miniatures, consider donating them to The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. The Museum is especially interested in stories about the toys and who played with them.

    Offer a Collection Donation

    Visiting the Museum

    Formerly known as the Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City, The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures offers visitors an engaging experience in a world of historically significant toys and fine-scale miniatures. Every room highlights a unique global culture, subtly reminding visitors of art’s power to transcend cultural differences and reveal our shared humanity.

    Images

    LEGO Small Set

    1966

    Samsonite Corporation, a subsidiary of LEGO, United States

    Object ID: 2017.40.1

    Watchmaker’s Workbench

    1994

    Ian Berry, English

    Object ID: 19938.1

    Mechanical Toy

    c. 1910

    Unknown Maker

    Object ID: 6672

    18th Century Gentleman’s Tool Chest

    1997

    William R. Robertson, American

    Object ID: 17103

    View-Master

    c. 1980

    General Aniline & Film Corporation, United States

    Object ID: 2014.18.123

    English Robin Figurine

    2000-2002

    Beth Freeman-Kane, South African

    Object ID: 19450

    Furby Mechanical Toy

    1998

    Tiger Electronics, Ltd., United States

    Object ID: 2015.12.57a

    European Baroque Period Cabinet

    1988

    John Davenport, English

    Object ID: 9026

    17th Century Flemish Harpsichord

    2004

    Johannes Landman, Dutch (working in Canada)

    Object ID: 23721.1

    Agate Marbles

    n.d.

    Unknown Maker

    Object ID: 11305

    King’s Desk (Bureau du Roi) in Louis XV Study in the Palace of Versailles

    1989

    Harry W. Smith, American

    Object ID: 9665, 9666

    Flash Gordon Rocket Fighter

    1951

    Louis Marx and Company, United States

    Object ID: 2014.18.15