Ideal from 4 years old
The highlights of this museum
- Discover toys from several generations: dolls, old games, unusual objects and newer toys allow children to understand how fun used
- Learn by playing: thanks to an interactive bracelet, visitors discover stories, activate content and take on challenges along the way.
- Share a moment between generations: parents rediscover childhood memories while children explore, manipulate and discover new ways of playing.
A journey into the world of toys of yesterday and today
What if children discovered how their parents and grandparents used to play?
At the Mechelen Toy Museum, toys tell stories and visitors are invited to become actors in their discovery. Installed since October 2024 in a new space at Mechelen train station, the museum offers an interactive tour to explore the world of play through the ages.
Dolls, toy cars, board games, old toys and more modern creations: the collections allow you to discover how the ways of playing have evolved over the generations.
But here, you don’t just look at the shop windows ! Thanks to an interactive bracelet, children can take part in challenges, discover stories and experiment with different forms of play.
An outing that is cultural, fun and intergenerational, easily accessible by train from Brussels.
The Mechelen Toy Museum in 5 points
- A collection of more than 30,000 objects: the museum preserves an important heritage dedicated to games and toys, from the Middle Ages to the present day. A selection of this collection is presented to visitors.
- Four rooms to explore: the tour addresses four main questions: what is playing, how do we play, why do we play and who plays?
- An interactive wristband: given at the entrance, it allows you to access content, listen to stories and participate in challenges during the visit.
- Experiments to try: traditional games, soapbox building and play areas invite children to move from observation to action.
- An easily accessible museum: located at Mechelen station, it allows you to organise a family outing by train from Brussels, without a car.
The team’s opinion
The Mechelen Toy Museum offers a particularly interesting approach to discovering heritage with the family. Its main advantage is that it is not limited to an exhibition of old objects: children can also experiment with different ways of playing.
We like the idea of bringing together several generations around a common activity. Parents can rediscover the games of their childhood, while children discover objects that are sometimes completely unknown to them.
The interactive bracelet and the various play areas bring a playful dimension to the visit. It is an accessible way to approach the history and evolution of the toys without turning the outing into a purely contemplative visit.
Practical information
- AGE: All ages. Free admission for children under 4 years old. Children under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
- OPEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., usually Tuesday to Sunday. Check availability for Monday in the booking calendar. Closed on 1 January, 24, 25 and 31 December.
- LAST ADMISSION: 3:30 p.m., 1 hour 30 minutes before closing.
- DURATION: about 2 hours to enjoy the route and the interactive areas.
- ADDRESS: Mechelen Toy Museum, Mechelen train station, Kiss & Ride area, Koning Albertplein 2B, 2800 Mechelen.
- PRICES: €18.50 at the standard rate, €13.50 for children from 4 to 12 years old and free for children under 4 years old. Reduced price at €16 for students and those aged 65 and over. Free with the museumPASSmusées. For children 12 years old, check the applicable category when booking.
- PARKING: P1 car park at Mechelen station. The first four hours have a 50% discount after validating the parking ticket at the museum reception.
- ACCESSIBILITY: museum accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs, with spaces adapted to traffic.
- LANGUAGES: accessible route in French, Dutch and English.
- ON SITE: café, shop, lockers, cloakroom, accessible toilets and play area.
Frequently asked questions
The museum welcomes visitors of all ages. Children under 4 years old enter for free. The tour includes collections to observe and interactive experiences suitable for different audiences. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Yes! The Toy Museum offers several interactive experiences. Visitors can take part in challenges, try out traditional games and discover fun installations. However, some collection pieces remain protected in display cases.
Yes, the museum is set up to allow the movement of strollers and wheelchairs. Practical amenities are also available for families with young children, including a changing table and a nursing area.
Yes, the museum has a café with drinks and snacks. Board games and a games corner also allow you to extend this time with the family. Food and drink consumption is reserved for the café.
In Mechelen you may also like…
THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF MECHELEN: After
the visit, we get some fresh air in the Botanical Garden of Mechelen! This large park in the historic centre invites families to walk among the trees, ponds and green spaces. Children can also enjoy a playground. A pleasant break to extend the day outdoors.
THE GRAND PLACE AND ST. RUMBOLD’S TOWER:
We then set off to discover the historic heart of Mechelen, with its beautiful facades and its imposing St. Rumbold’s Tower. A walk that allows you to discover the architecture of the city and enjoy its lively streets. Families who wish to do so can also consider climbing the tower.
TECHNOPOLIS
To continue the discoveries, head to Technopolis, the interactive science centre in Mechelen! Here, children experiment, manipulate and explore science through playful installations. Located a few kilometres from the train station, this is another family outing to Mechelen, possibly for a whole day.
Other museums to discover with the family
Brussels has more than a hundred museums. We have selected a dozen museums that are very suitable for. families, even with young children. Their permanent exhibitions are fascinating. An ideal outing if the weather is not very nice.
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