Brussels Toy Museum

Last Friday there was no playgroup for the Easter holiday, so Eliot and I headed into the city to visit the toy museum, which the guidebook promised would have many opportunities for hands-on exploration. The toy to the left is one such example. There was also a row of toy kitchens and many other games to play over the four stories of the museum.
Housed in a great building, the museum was packed to the gills with toys of yesteryear. Unfortunately, the toys seemed to have been thrown into display cases and were not well labeled, but I didn't have much time to look around anyway as I had to keep a careful eye on Eliot as he enthusiasticly sprinted from toy to toy.
There were lots of big metal vehicles that kids used to play in. It was amazing to think of the complete changeover to plastic with some wood toys still in the toybox/backyard. Also, this toy maker wisely put in three steering wheels so more than one kid could have the driver role.
Some teddy bear x-rays. The museum has a teddy bear clinic once a year. These are remnants from a previous clinic.

Eliot had a funny interaction with a slightly older museum visitor who insisted we sit down for pizza at one of the toy kitchens. She served us the wooden pizza but insisted that we not touch it as she searched for the perfecting touches like the pizza cutter, then plates, etc. Eliot, after the second "ne touchez pas!" was done. So, we were off for a different area to the somewhat dissapointed requests to stay and eat from the little girl.