“Zabavushka” Museum of Traditional Folk Toys

In December 1998, a group of enthusiasts created a regional community organization called the “Tradition” society, which started implementing the “Game Exhibition of Russian Folk Toys” project and developing other projects aimed at maintaining and developing folk crafts, primarily traditional toys. The game exhibition was transformed into the “Zabavushka” Museum of Traditional Folk Toys.

The museum’s collection consists of authentic traditional toys made from various natural materials (clay, wood, birch bark, straw, and so on) of all currently operating crafts in Russia, as well as crafts that have ceased to exist (for example, the Vyrkovskaya toy, the Alexandro-Praskovinskaya toy, etc.).

The idea is not only to show the variety of Russian traditional toys, but also to promote interest in them. Therefore, most of the exhibits are presented on outdoor podiums; you can touch them and children can play with them. There are interactive excursions for children of senior preschool and school age and adults (accompanying teachers and parents), and separate groups for adults and students.

The museum’s collection also includes traditional patchwork dolls from different regions of Russia presented in a separate hall, which also hosts interactive tours and master classes.

The most valuable exhibits are presented in a separate room in showcases.

In addition, the museum has a collection of traditional folk toys of the peoples of Russia and other countries. Some of the exhibits are presented in one of the halls of the museum. The main principle that the museum adheres to is to purchase traditional toys primarily from different regions of Russia as well as from foreign countries.