About us

Historical toys that bring memories to life

The amazing collection housed at the Stockholm Toy Museum is actually the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. It is privately owned by the von Schinkel family, who have been collecting toys and comics for two generations, for over 60 years.

As the von Schinkel family lives at Tidö Castle outside Västerås, the castle premises were initially a natural place to display the collection. On June 17, 1974, the doors to Tidö Toy Museum opened, inaugurated by King Carl XVI Gustaf himself.

After many years in the castle itself, the museum activities moved to the associated Stenstallet, on the grounds of Tidö Castle. There was an even greater opportunity to build an imaginative and exciting environment, which was done by an outstanding creative team led by set designer Caroline Romare.

Although the museum in Stenstallet became a very popular destination, it soon became clear that several visitors found it a bit difficult to get to the museum. There are no buses or trains to Tidö, and for those who do not have access to a car or bicycle, it is a bit of a hassle even for Västerås residents.

In 2016, David von Schinkel received a phone call that would mark the beginning of a new era for the museum and for the collection. It was a call from an elderly lady, living in central Västerås, who clearly explained that she wanted to visit the museum, but that it is now both easier and cheaper for her to travel the 7 miles to Stockholm than to travel the short distance of 1.5 miles from Västerås to Tidö Slott. After that conversation, David decided that he would work to make the museum and collection accessible to more visitors. The easiest way would have been to move into central Västerås, but if you wanted to reach even more people, maybe it was best to listen to the old lady and aim for Stockholm instead?

When the venue in Bergrummet on Skeppsholmen came up, the decision was easy. What could be more exciting and playful than a toy and comic book exhibition in underground tunnels, in the middle of central Stockholm with the Royal Palace as a neighbor? The collection also includes a unique section with toys that have been owned and played with by royalty, many of whom had lived at the Royal Palace in a previous life.

The toy museum on Tidö closed in the fall of 2016, and a year later David, with the help of some forty creators, architects, set designers, prop makers, decorative painters, sculptors, blacksmiths, inventors, digital designers, artists, project managers and administrators, was able to open the new museum in Bergrummet.

Just over two years later, after receiving a plethora of tips from domestic and foreign visitors, we realized that the name “Bergrummet – Tidö Collection of Toys and Comics” was not the most natural search phrase for those who wanted to take part in Stockholm’s most playful collection. Therefore, in January 2020, we changed our name to Stockholm Toy Museum. A much clearer name that is understood by both Swedish and foreign visitors.

Sweden’s foremost toy expert Peter Pluntky was a good friend of Carl David von Schinkel, who started the collection, and has followed its growth for almost 50 years. Pluntky is the guarantor of the factual content of the museum, and his knowledge of toys and their history is the basis and inspiration for all factual content presented at different levels for different target groups at the digital information stations located in the museum.

We have a lot to learn from history to explain the world today. Every single toy has its own story – who made it, where and why? Who played with it how, where and when? The rock room will be a long-awaited meeting place for toy enthusiasts from all over the world,” says Peter Pluntky.

Temporary exhibitions and events

In addition to our permanent exhibitions, we also offer temporary exhibitions and special events to keep the museum alive and give visitors new experiences with every visit.

Stockholm Toy Museum is not just a museum, it is a place for community and sharing of toy stories. We believe that toys have a unique ability to unite people and create joy. We want to be a meeting place where visitors can share their own toy memories and inspire each other. Read more about upcoming events here.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Stockholm Toy Museum, where dreams and toys meet to create unforgettable moments and precious memories. Bring the whole family and explore the amazing world of toys together!