Toys with a story behind them.

Like many such stories, this one also began with a passion. However, it was a special passion, one could even say “childlike”. However, it quickly became apparent that the child is actually in each of us. And everyone is eager to return to that period. Meet Maria and Miroslaw Ozierski, creators and founders of the Toy Museum in Kudowa-Zdroj (and later another, in Krynica-Zdroj). Get to know the people and the place with passion….

Maria and Miroslaw Ozierański collected toys for years. Over time they collected so many that in 2002 they decided to open a Toy Museum in Kudowa-Zdroj. Why toys? Because they hide a lot of secrets and memories, show the development and ingenuity of people, and at the same time it is an object that unites us all regardless of any differences – every person in this world had some kind of toy. – Maria Ozierańska tells us. And she cites a quote by Henry Fielding “there are toys suited to every age, from a rattle to a throne, and the owners of them equally cherish them – each his own.”

And this is indeed the case. Toys have accompanied us since the beginning of mankind. Thus, those accumulated in the museum are an ideal history lesson. Looking at them, we can observe how they have changed over the centuries, what fashion and customs prevailed at a given time. They are also an excellent reflection of the everyday life of the times belonging to them.

What’s more, at the Museum of Toys in Kudowa-Zdroj you will see toys from all over the world and from different eras. Among the more than 5,000 exhibits are toys from ancient times, dolls with accessories, boys’ militaria, home theaters, toys from movies and fairy tales, building blocks, optical toys, game consoles and many others. The vast majority of toys, however, date from the 19th and 20th centuries. Many of them are also memories of the communist period.

Many artifacts were transported and donated to the museum by visitors. Those learning about the existence of such a magical place, want to leave their memories there as well. Along with the toy donated to the collection, they often share their unique stories and important parts of their lives. Such moments and these stories are simply priceless.

Collecting toys is our family passion. We are constantly looking for new exhibits to capture the charm of passing childhood and show it to the next generation,” explains Ms. Maria. Indeed, the passion for toys runs in the family. Today, Mr. and Mrs. Ozierski’s daughters and their husbands, Ursula and Piotr and Anna and Danel, are also involved in the museum.

However, the museum is not just about watching and admiring, or participating in a tangible history lesson. The Toy Museum is also a workshop for children, during which the little ones create their own wooden toy, thus learning about the childhood of their parents and grandparents.

The Ozierańskis opened their second Toy Museum in 2007. It was established in Krynica-Zdrój to delight tourists visiting that part of the country.

The Toy Museum is a real trip back in time for all generations. For some a history lesson, for others a return to memories. For all, however, a smile, joy and a lot of childish carefree. Because no matter how old we are, we hide a child inside us. Here we can discover them!

The Toy Museum in Kudowa-Zdrój is located on the “Around the Stołowe Mountains” bike trail (PL and CZ). DOT158

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