“Once Upon a Time… Croatian Toy Factories in the 20th Century”

The exhibition takes visitors into the magical world of the domestic toy industry and the childhood of the last century. Through original objects and rich museum materials, it reveals how play shaped children’s imagination, creativity, and everyday life, while also reflecting the social and educational changes of its time.

A special place is given to the products of former Croatian toy factories, including Biserka, UZOR, Jugoplastika, 25. maj – Labin, and TIK-TIK Krapina, which marked the upbringing of numerous generations during the second half of the 20th century. Also on display are rare examples of toys produced after the Biserka factory obtained a Disney license, making its products a true sensation on the domestic market.

The exhibition, authored by Sanja Nekić, Senior Curator, is structured into three thematic sections. The first section presents an overview of Croatian toy factories of the 20th century and selected items from the Toy Collection of the Croatian School Museum. The second section is dedicated to playrooms and toy libraries established by the Croatian Association “Naša djeca,” within which the Toy Centre also operated; part of their rich and unique toy collection is also exhibited. The third section was developed in cooperation with the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences and the Academy of Fine Arts of the University of Zagreb, and presents the historical development of didactic and assistive toys, as well as contemporary approaches to their design and use.

The exhibition highlights the universal value of play as the language of childhood that connects generations, and shows how industrially produced toys have become an important part of Croatian cultural and educational heritage.

Gallery “Školica za 5,” Hebrangova 5, Zagreb (in the immediate vicinity of Zrinjevac)

Free admission!