Toy Worlds Museum

Spielzeug Welten Museum

A charming museum housing Europe’s largest collection of dolls and toys.

Located in the heart of Basel, this museum showcases over 6,000 toys – from antique teddy bears to intricate dollhouses. Each exhibit brings childhood memories to life and highlights the craftsmanship behind everyday playthings. It’s not just a museum, but a heartwarming journey through the cultural history of toys.

Transport

How to Get There

Ways to get to the attraction

On foot from Basel center 14-20 min.

From Bern by car ~1 h 16 min.

From Zurich by car ~1 h 4 min.

From BRN airport (Bern) by car ~1 h 27 min.

From SIR airport (Sion) by car ~2 h 39 min.

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Attraction

Description

Detailed information about the attraction

What is this place

Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel is a private museum in central Basel with a unique four-floor collection of teddy bears, dolls, doll’s houses and miniatures over 1,000 m² and 6,000+ objects, especially from around 1900.

Key features

World-leading teddy collection – 2,500+ bears, including early Steiff pieces.
1867 building with famous street display windows refreshed for seasons and shows.
Four levels and >1,000 m² with push-button animated scenes.
Fully step-free: lift to all floors, lowered info consoles, adapted restroom.
Friendly pricing: CHF 7 adult, CHF 5 concession; under-16 free.

What to see

Teddy galleries with early Steiff and the oldest bear 1904, plus motorised dioramas.
Historic doll’s houses and shops, and contemporary miniatures.
Seasonal blockbusters – notably the Christmas exhibition (Nov–Feb).

History

The corner building dates to 1867; its street-facing windows became a hallmark that still draws passers-by inside.

The museum opened in 1998 (patron Gigi Oeri) and was known as the Puppenhausmuseum until 1 March 2012; the focus is on 1870–1920 craftsmanship and historic teddies.

In the 2010s–2020s it broadened digital interpretation and accessibility while keeping low ticket prices and a strong programme of seasonal exhibitions.

Practical information

Location: Steinenvorstadt 1, 4051 Basel – by Barfüsserplatz.

Getting there: From Basel SBB take tram 8 to Barfüsserplatz or 11 to Barfüsserplatz/Theater; from Badischer Bahnhof take tram 6 to Barfüsserplatz/Theater.

Access: Fully barrier-free; lift to the top floor (~80-cm door), lowered consoles, adapted restroom; restaurant and shop accessible without a ticket.

Visiting hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00; Mon closed; in December open daily 10:00–18:00. Holiday exceptions on website.

Visit duration: 60–120 minutes.

Best time: Weekday mornings; December for festive windows and the Christmas show.

Notes: Tickets CHF 7 adult, CHF 5 concession; under-16 free. Shop and Ristorante La Sosta open without museum admission.

Tours