La Nef des Jouets - toys museum

DESCRIPTIF

The « Nave of Toys » houses the toys collected over the years by Joëlle and Jean-Richard Haeusser. But it is not merely a museum, it is also an exceptional institution set up in the former residence of the Commander of the Order of Malta. The permanent collection spans the three floors of the building and the former chapel is used for temporary exhibitions. The restoration of the building, whose foundations date from the 13th century, was undertaken in 1992 and completed in 1994. The collection of toys is composed of trains, cars, soldiers, dolls, bears and puppets. The museum also organizes temporary exhibitions, about three times a year, and the collections are constantly added to by purchases, donations or loans. The children can also enjoy the toys by giving full play to their imagination or by exercising their skill on the play areas reserved for them on the ground and third floors. Thus the Museum provides 1,000 square meters (3600 square feet) of educational and playful activities in a unique historic setting, thanks to the wealth of a varied collection. Besides the thematic exhibitions, several activities are provided throughout the year: doll sale on the first Sunday in March - figurine sale on the first Sunday in October - children's days, or the recognition of the young artists' talents in fields as varied as music, singing, dancing, fine arts, theatre, poetry. Birthday tea parties for kids between 5 and 9 years old on Wednesdays. The month of the five senses (October) will enable school kids to explore their bodies through exhibitions and workshops.