The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures (T/m) has named Kody McLain its new Director of Curatorial Affairs. McLain begins November 2, 2026, and will lead the Museum’s curatorial, collections, and exhibition work.
McLain joins T/m from the Ronald Reagan Ranch Center in Santa Barbara, California. There he has led curatorial work across four historic sites and museums in California and Illinois, including a major historic restoration project, collections management, and both permanent and temporary exhibitions. He previously held positions at the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art and the Imperial Valley Desert Museum. McLain holds an M.A. in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in History from Westmont College.
“Kody brings fresh perspective, energy, and sound judgment, along with curiosity about our collections,” said Patricia Cecil, Executive Director of T/m. “He joins us at a moment of real momentum as we prepare for a pivotal 2027.”
“The Museum is uniquely multifaceted and offers something for guests of all ages. Whether it’s the childhood nostalgia evoked by a beloved toy or the opportunity to admire the overwhelmingly intricate details of the fine art on display, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It is incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to work with this remarkable collection and to give our guests a chance to step back in time and rediscover the memories and experiences that have shaped them.” Said McLain.
McLain will oversee the Museum’s curatorial team and its upcoming exhibition slate. That slate includes the redesigned Native Peoples Gallery, Saturday Morning Cartoons, and a 50-year retrospective of fine-scale miniature artist William R. Robertson, all opening in 2027.
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF TOYS AND MINIATURES
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures educates, inspires, and delights people of all ages by collecting, displaying, and interpreting toys and miniatures that illuminate diverse narratives and cultural heritage. Located on the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus, the Museum exhibits the world’s largest collection of fine-scale miniatures and one of the nation’s largest collections of historically significant toys on public display. For more information, call 816.235.8000 or visit www.toyandminiaturemuseum.org.
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