What was your favorite toy growing up?
Jacksonville’s Museum of Science & History hopes to bring toy lovers of all ages together with a new exhibit called "Toytopia," which opens to the public this Saturday, Oct. 17.
“Play is the foundation from which the joy of lifelong learning grows,” said interim MOSH CEO Bruce Fafard in an email to WJCT News.
Whether it's jump rope, the Easy Bake Oven or Star Wars collectibles, the exhibit will showcase toys from the creative minds of Hasbro, Duncan Yo-Yo, Schleich, Breyer, Crayola and others.
Among the exhibit’s highlights will be:
- What the MOSH says is the world’s largest Etch A Sketch, which stands close to 8 feet tall.
- A retro arcade area with working classic games.
- A life-size doll house.
- A life-size Monopoly car and game board.
- Schylling Tin Toys, which will illustrate how tin toys are created out of simple sheets of tin.
“Our goal was to capture the essence of childhood wonder, that dream of being in a world of toys,” said Troy Carlson, owner of Stage Nine Entertainment Group and G. Willikers Toy Emporium, which curated the traveling exhibit.
MOSH guests ages 6 and up are required to wear face masks while visiting the museum. Single-use masks will be available for purchase for $1.
Sanitized stylus pens are provided for use with the exhibits. The MOSH said many of its exhibits’ components have been converted to support touchless interactivity. The museum has also upped its cleaning regimen of all public spaces.
Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for youth, students, active and retired military and seniors. There is no admission fee for children 2 and under or museum members. Additional details, including exhibit hours will be posted on the MOSH's website prior to the exhibit's opening.
