The collection comprises over 2,000 pieces curated to represent the history of the Portuguese toy industry.
It is located in the Casa de Chiado, a building that originally belonged to the aristocratic Calheiros family.
The museum highlights the dominance of toy production in the northern Portuguese region of Ermesinde during the 20th century.
Displays include a specific collection dedicated to soldiers and military miniatures, reflecting the popular play styles of the mid-20th century.
The building was renovated specifically to house the museum, preserving 18th-century architectural elements like granite stonework.
Several exhibits feature 'Lisil', a prominent brand that pioneered the use of plastic in Portuguese toy manufacturing.
The Portuguese Toy Museum, or Museu do Brinquedo Português, is housed in a restored 18th-century mansion, the Casa de Chiado, in the historic center of Ponte de Lima. Its collection spans the evolution of Portuguese toy manufacturing from the late 19th century through the 1980s. The exhibits are organized chronologically and by material, showcasing items made of tin, lead, wood, and plastic. The museum serves as an archive of Portuguese industrial design history, highlighting the transition from traditional craftsmanship to mass production. It features a dedicated space for children to interact with classic games and toys. The facility is located on the bank of the Lima River, integrated into the town’s cultural heritage corridor.
The internal staircase and the view of the river from the building's windows.
Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby Medieval bridge, which is highly visible from the museum area.
Check out the interactive workshop areas if traveling with younger children, as these offer hands-on playtime.
Combine the visit with a stroll through the nearby Arnado Park for a complete afternoon in Ponte de Lima.
Do not attempt to touch the items inside the glass display cases, as many pieces are fragile historical artifacts.
Closed on Mondays.
