Located in central London, Pollock’s Toy Museum offers an amazing journey through the history of toys. Named after Victorian toy theatre printer Benjamin Pollock, the collection has grown from his original stock to include toys from all around the world. Beautifully presented within a Fitzrovian townhouse, the museum takes visitors back to the 18th and 19th centuries, and provides a delightful and charming glimpse into the lives of children of that era from all over the world.

Things to see and do

Pollock's Toy Museum London features a ground floor, 6 separate rooms and 3 staircases. The ground floor consists of the museum’s own toy shop, and is a wonderful place to find souvenirs and replicas of older toys. Traversing the first staircase, it becomes evident that the museum has made full use of its space, as the steps are used to display board games from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The first exhibit in room 1 is catered to boy’s toys, and includes mechanical and optical toys throughout the centuries. Aside from this, the museum is divided by floor into 18th and 19th century toys. As visitors make their way through the various rooms in the house, they will witness the inception and evolution of the teddy bear. Covering the history of what is now perhaps the most famous toy of all time, visitors can see some of the earliest teddy bears in existence from the early 1900s. There are also dolls and puppets, sourced from all around the world, including traditional dolls from England and China.

Rooms 5 and 6 are fashioned after a girl’s nursery from 1900, and a traditional 19th century toy theatre respectively. These authentic recreations bring the 19th century back to life, as they’ve been well appointed with all the furniture and fabric meeting the expectations of creating authenticity in the settings.

Opening Times

The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and is closed on bank holidays. Last entry is at 4:30pm.

How to get to Pollock's Toy Museum

Pollock’s Toy Museum is located in central London with easy access of the city’s public transport system. It is within easy walking distance from the Goodge Street Tube Station (Northern Line), but can also be accessed from Warren Street, Euston Square and Tottenham Court Road stations. The closest rail station to the museum is King’s Cross St. Pancras.