Spielzeugmuseum im Pleinfelder Tor

Description

In the baroque little town of Ellingen, the Pleinfelder Gate has more floors than it looks from the outside. Five stairways lead up to beneath the roof. There visitors are treated to an outstanding view over the town of the Teutonic Order.

On the first floor the Ellingen Local History Museum is located. On display are old peasant furnishings from 1850 to 1930 as well as everyday items and tools from that period.

The path further up then leads into long‑past childhood fantasies: old trucks, cranes with sophisticated mechanics, colorful Bulldogs (vintage tractors). A miniature locksmith's workshop powered by a steam engine. Dollhouses that recreate countless occupations. And of course the perennial favorite in children's rooms, the toy shop.

Other highlights include a collection of gramophones by the Bing brothers with original shellac records and a French automaton doll.

The author visited the museum on October 13, 2016.