Spielzeugmuseum Solz

Description

In the historic village centre of Solz, the Spielzeugmuseum Solz housed its exhibitions in one of the municipality’s oldest timber-framed buildings. The L-shaped complex at Burgring 11, 13 and 15 connects a gable-front, three-storey timber-framed building from the late 17th century with a perpendicular eaves-fronted extension from the mid-18th century. Because of the sloping site, the main building rests on a tall stable plinth; a cellar entrance is located on the gable side. The timber framing features turned rope ornaments in the sills and wall plates and is listed as a protected cultural monument subject to special protection. The complex forms part of the historic ensemble around the early-medieval settlement of Solz, which also includes the former castle and other notable buildings and is assessed as an overall heritage conservation ensemble.

The basis of the exhibition was an extensive private collection assembled over roughly sixty years and previously shown in special exhibitions. Several thousand objects from around the world were displayed in display cases lined with coloured fabric; one focus was on traditionally made wooden toys from German production centres such as the Erzgebirge, Thuringia and the Berchtesgaden area. Explanatory panels, set against the background of the craft-based conditions of production, described methods of manufacture, woodturning and distribution, as well as the social contexts of production.

The museum was run by the Museumsverein Solz e. V.; its establishment and restoration were supported by private funds and public grants, including resources from the former Zonenrandförderung and the Hessian village renewal programme. Renovation work began in 1988 and the house reopened in 1990 after refurbishment; the concept was developed by the association together with professional advisers.

On the ground floor the museum presented rotating exhibitions of international toys; the first floor housed the permanent exhibition on the wooden toy tradition. The second floor was devoted to the theme “Toys and Education,” with objects dating from around 1900 that served both entertainment and educational purposes: dolls, dollhouses and accessories were aimed at girls, while construction kits, steam engines, toy trains, wagons, technical toys and war toys reflected role models for boys.

After an initially positive reception, visitor numbers declined; the lack of support from the municipality and regional tourism stakeholders, together with the loss of catering facilities, had a negative impact. Faced with rising maintenance costs and falling membership, the association decided to cease operations. With a museum festival on 25 May 2014 and a subsequent auction of the collection, the almost 25-year history of the Spielzeugmuseum Solz came to an end.