Toys, children's and youth culture

Toys from times of war and hardship
Toys from wartime and post-war times are rarely documented and home-made toys are hard to find. In 2009, the museum succeeded in acquiring a rare toy collection that documents childhood in Germany during and after the Second World War.

Pewter figures
Pewter figures were the most common toy for boys in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They were mostly used to recreate military events. However, the collection also includes themes such as botany or urban events such as the shooting festival of 1862.

Board games for adults
The historical board games from the 17th and 18th centuries impress with their variety of materials and artistic craftsmanship and are an important part not only of Frankfurt's cultural history.

The Walter Collection
The biographical estate provides concise information about childhood and youth during National Socialism in Frankfurt. The estate is on display in the permanent exhibition "Frankfurt Einst?

Marionettes and puppets
Hans Kohl's marionette theater is a reminder of the forms of social entertainment that existed successfully in Frankfurt until the middle of the 20th century. Liesel Simon's hand puppets also stand for this. The successful artist and entrepreneur had to flee during National Socialism. Liesel Simon's dolls, a gift from her descendants, are on display in the permanent exhibition "Frankfurt Once".