The tin toys
Clockwork metal cars and trains from the early twentieth century.
Donald Judge — CC BY 2.0 · Donald Judge — CC BY 2.0 · Strubbl — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Strubbl — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Toy Museum is a small museum inside the tower of the Old Town Hall, right on Marienplatz. The building itself is old, and the museum spreads over several narrow floors reached by a spiral staircase. The displays are toys from two centuries: wooden dolls, tin trains, small cars, bears and clockwork tin toys. There is also a collection of Barbie dolls and older European and American playthings. It is a very small museum and needs no more than an hour. It works well as a wet-day option or a short stop while you are on Marienplatz, but it is not a main destination in itself. Important: this museum has been through changes in recent years and its situation may shift. Check the official website before going.
Clockwork metal cars and trains from the early twentieth century.
Wooden and porcelain dolls in their original clothes, some over a century old.
A spiral staircase inside a historic tower, with small views over the square from the windows.
Old Town Hall tower, Marienplatz 15, 80331 München
St Peter's ChurchMunicher call it the Alter Peter, Old Peter, and it is the oldest parish church 1 minute walk4.8
New Town HallThe New Town Hall is the large building with pointed towers filling the north si1 minute walk4.8
MariensäuleThe Mariensäule is a marble column in the middle of Marienplatz, topped by a gol2 minutes walk4.6
MarienplatzMarienplatz is the heart of Munich and the starting point for any visit. It has 2 minutes walk4.8
ViktualienmarktThe Viktualienmarkt is a daily open-air food market in the heart of the old town2 minutes walk4.5As a short stop, yes — especially on a wet day or with children. But it is small and simple, so do not make a special trip for it. If your time in Munich is limited, there are higher priorities.
The exhibits are behind glass and cannot be touched, which frustrates some little ones. Older children who like old toys enjoy it more. The spiral staircase is hard with a pushchair.
Cheap compared with Munich's other museums, and children's and family tickets cost less. Check the current price on the official site.