If you’ve never visited the National Museum of Toys & Miniatures? You’re in for a really fun treat! The facility just went through a huge renovation and is now back open for business.
The museum is packed with a huge assortment: dolls, dollhouses and furnishings, games, household toys, mechanical toys, playsets, political toys (political toys? yeah, we don’t know what that means either — but we’re eager to find out!), religious toys, soft toys and transportation toys. Plus, the miniatures collections? Wow! Tiny toolboxes, cowboy boots, clocks, toasts, baby buggies! You name it!
Plus, the museum is currently hosting two special exhibits. One, “Pedal to the Metal,” focuses on America’s obsession with four-wheeled vehicles big and small. From the Garton Kiddilac to the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile, see how suburban kids have rolled in style!
Then, stroll over to the “Stereotypes to Civil Rights: Black Paper Dolls in America” and check out the private collection of noted author, lecturer and collector Arabella Grayson. You’ll explore the 150-year evolution of cultural images of African-Americans in paper dolls from Little Black Sambo and Aunt Jemima to Jackie Robinson and Missy Elliott.
After our museum visit, we’ll go to lunch (currently planned for Bella Napoli in Brookside unless we choose another spot) and chat about our favorite parts. Kids, husbands, friends, family — all are welcome go join us!
Details for this day of fun are below.
RSVP by Friday, March 4, on the KC AOII Facebook Events page so we’ll know how many to expect.
Admission costs:
- Ages 5 and up $5
- Ages 4 and under Free
- Museum members Free
- UMKC faculty, staff, and students with ID Free
- Active duty service members with ID Free
Event summary:
- March 5: A Day at the Museum with AOII & Lunch at Bella Napoli in Brookside
- 10 a.m. at The National Museum of Toys & Miniatures (5325 Oak St., Kansas City, MO 64112)
- Lunch afterward at Bella Napoli (6329 Brookside Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64111)
- RSVP by Friday, March 4, on the KC AOII Facebook Events page.