Poster for the toy exhibition - Play Together: Toys Collected in Museums

Never too old to enjoy toys! A playful and nostalgic toy exhibition at the Guangdong Museum—titled "Play Together: Toys Collected in Museums"—is now open to the public through September 21, 2025.

With more than 240 sets of historic toys from across China, this immersive exhibition explores how play has shaped minds, traditions, and identities across generations. Co-curated with museums including the Chinese National Museum of Ethnology and the Yunnan Nationalities Museum, the exhibition features pieces dating from the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) to the late 20th century, along with traditional toys from China's ethnic minority communities.

Kid playing at the exhibition

Among the highlights are a pair of whistles glazed in peacock blue and aubergine, along with a Swiss symphonic music box dating back to the late 1800s. Toys from China's ethnic groups also take center stage. Visitors can marvel at the Bai people's handcrafted toy cars featuring Chinese Zodiac animals, or learn about the Daur people's Weiluqi—a strategic board game inspired by traditional deer hunting.

Whistles and music box on display

The Bai people's handcrafted toy cars featuring Chinese Zodiac animals

The Daur people's Weiluqi

But this isn't just a look-and-leave exhibition. Beyond the traditional displays, the museum invites visitors to engage with toys. Interactive zones and toy-making workshops encourage visitors of all ages to play, explore, and create—turning the museum into a joyful playground for everyone.

Kids playing at the exhibition

Event Details

Date: June 27 - September 21, 2025

Venue: Hall 2, 3F, Guangdong Museum

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (Last entry at 4:00 pm). Closed on Mondays

Price: Free

How to make a reservation: Via the WeChat official mini-program "广东省博物馆" (pinyin: guang dong sheng bo wu guan)

Kids playing at the exhibition

From kids to the young at heart, everyone is welcome to relive the magic of toys at the Guangdong Museum this holiday season!

Photo | Guangdong Museum