My husband and I enjoy day trips exploring new-to-us towns, museums, and attractions. We’ve lived in the Kansas City area for less than 10 years and we’re continually finding amazing places. Recently, we hit a total gem!
The National Museum of Toys & Miniatures is located on the campus of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, just a few blocks south of the popular Country Club Plaza shopping and entertainment district. Parking for the museum is off 52nd Street. There is a fee to get in and be sure to check for hours of operation before you go.
I have to tell you that I’ve always been a lover of all things miniature. When I was nine years old, my parents built me a VanBuren Dollhouse from a kit and it was AMAZING. My dad built a bunch of the furniture and mom crocheted rugs and sewed curtains. We all had a blast making tiny food for it from salt-dough. I loved my dollhouse! Visiting this museum with an entire floor of tiny things and dollhouses was a dream for me. My husband also appreciates the artistry and immense skill that goes into these pieces, as do I. Stunning craftspersonship!
By the numbers the museum has:
- 2 centuries of dollhouses on display
- 3,320 dolls
- 21,000+ fine-scale miniatures
- 1,000+ tiny chairs
- 51,000+ toys
And the collection is continually growing.
One exhibit that made my reader/writer heart swell, was a beautiful dollhouse designed as a rendition of Miss Marple’s cottage. Yes, that Miss Marple—the one and only fictional detective created by Agatha Christie. Below is a picture and it really doesn’t do it justice. It was gorgeous! The attention to detail blew me away and it’s just so much fun.
