Toytopia exhibit to open at Reading Public Museum [Spotlight]

What was your childhood passion? Building a blanket fort? Star Wars collectibles? Lincoln Logs?

Whatever your favorite toy was, then and now, you will be sure to find it in the Toytopia interactive exhibition this summer at the Reading Public Museum, 500 Museum Road. Toytopia will be on view in the museum’s temporary exhibition galleries from June 14 through Sept. 7.

Take a stroll down memory lane to see some of the world’s most classic toys and games dating from the early 1900s to the year 2000 and beyond. Nostalgic toys such as Atari, Erector Set and classic board games are featured.

Vintage toys such as Mr. Potato Head and an oversized Crayola Crayon box photo op will be part of the Reading Public Museum’s summer exhibition, Toytopia. (Courtesy of Reading Public Museum)

These engaging displays use interactive games, trivia and video to bring old toys back to life. Visitors will learn manufacturing secrets, the evolution of electronic gaming and the art of collecting — perfect for families, collectors and school groups seeking hands-on STEAM enrichment.

Toytopia will rekindle the wonder and delight of your favorite childhood moments through an interactive journey through the history of toys. With a footprint of over 5,000 square feet, Toytopia will showcase immersive displays from cherished toymakers, including Hasbro, Duncan Yo-Yo, Schleich, Breyer, Crayola, KNEX and many more.

You can test your music skills on a giant floor piano, have your fortune read by Zoltar, and create a mini stop motion video as well.

The world’s largest Etch-a-Sketch will be on display as part of the Reading Public Museum’s summer exhibition, Toytopia. (Courtesy of Reading Public Museum)

Toytopia highlights include the world’s largest Etch-A-Sketch, a retro ’80s arcade with full-size cabinet video games, a Lego brick play area with a Lego wall, large-scale versions of Battleship and Connect 4, the world’s largest helix-shaped dual railroad track and more. Visitors will also have the chance to play with Lincoln Logs, Keva Planks and solve Brain Teasers.

Toytopia is developed by Stage Nine Design and distributed by Exhibit Development Group. The exhibition is sponsored locally by the Berks County Community Foundation and WEEU-830 AM.

The museum will host a member preview from 9-11 a.m. on June 14. Contact Becky Ruth at becky.ruth@readingpublicmuseum.org or 610-371-5850, extension 255 to register.

The Reading Public Museum is supported in part by grants from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Admission per day is $10 adults (18-64), $6 children/seniors/college students (w/ID) and free to members and children 3 and under. The museum is open daily from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit www.readingpublicmuseum.org.