Museum of Childhood ~ 20 July 2007

In cooperation with the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Museum of Childhood is a collection of objects representing childhood from the 16th century to the present day. The museum's funding comes from a Victoria and Albert Friends grant as well as visitor donations. In the front gallery, there was an impressive temporary exhibition of children's clothes and accessories that were turned into works of art by students from London College of Fashion. In addition, there were displays of art (eco-friendly designs of clothes, lunch boxes, etc.) created by primary school students as part of an artist-led project. The front gallery also hosted the "Dreams of Flying" exhibition: Jan von Holleben's photographs of children in certain poses, interacting with objects in such a way that it gives the illusion that the children are flying (several inspired by classic children's books). These exhibits were an amazing introduction to the museum and drew me right in!

Here are some examples from the collection that stood out to me as I explored the three floors of galleries:
~Historic toys, including those from around the world-- It was so interesting to read about the origins of some of the toys, and it was quite nostalgic to discover that toys from the 1970s and 80s that do not seem far removed from my lifetime were there on display behind glass!
~Some artwork that supplemented the historical information about toys, etc.
~An interactive game simulation
~A giant Magna-Doodle :)
~An arts and crafts area-- It looked like museum staff members were leading a group of parents and children in an activity.
~Play areas (sand pit, puppet shows) and reading areas scattered throughout the museum
~Amazing doll-houses and models
~Dress-up items and children's clothing, displayed chronologically by time period
~Educational tools
~The "Good Times" section with games, crazy mirrors, and fun music playing in the background
~An exhibit about exploring the lives and families in London's East End community

The overall sense that I got from this museum is that it represents the celebration of children and imagination, as evident in the quotes about childhood that are worked into the museum's design and the numerous opportunities for visiting children to play, explore, and create. There is also a highly active education department within the museum, with an exciting schedule of teaching sessions and workshops. I felt that the museum was very open, well-designed, and very well organized. It provides a fun and educational activity for children and their families (or for anyone who loves children!).