Museum of Folk Toy Zabavushka

In the east of Moscow, in Preobrazhensky, there is an unusual museum of the folk toy Zabavushka. In his collection there are several thousand toys of past and present masters. Children can not only touch the exhibits, but also play with them. Guides talk about the traditions of games, the peculiarities of peasant life and conduct master classes.

How Zabavushka appeared

The history of the museum begins in 1998. Its founders Sankin Aleksey Vyacheslavovich and Galenko Elena Gennadievna carried out a charity event — exhibition of Russian folk toys. Even then, the idea of ​​an interactive format arose. Children played with the exhibits, learned their history and completed creative tasks.

Then everyone could not visit the exhibition, and it was extended on a paid basis. The future creators of the museum founded the "Tradition" society, and became the organizers of a regular exhibition of folk toys. In 2002 they opened the Zabavushka Museum.

What to see

The museum's collection contains approximately 9,000 exhibits, which are growing every year. There are so many of them that only a third of the total number was placed in the halls. But among the presented products there is something to see:

• Old toys of traditional folk crafts: Dymkovo, Filimonovo, Gorodets, Kargopol and others.
x Toys of modern masters who continue the traditions of the peoples of Russia. Clay, straw, wooden and rag products are presented.
x Peasant household items: jewelry, kitchen utensils, craft tools.
x Elements of women's national costumes: winter and summer outfits from different eras.
x Toys and dolls from other countries.

Excursion programs

Interactive excursions for children are conducted by teachers and psychologists. Despite the children's focus, the programs are interesting for teenagers, students, and even adults. You can sign up for one of the group tours:

• Clay folk toy. History and method of making clay toys.
• Toy crafts in Russia. A story about the traditions of crafts of folk toys in different cities.
• Patchwork doll. The meaning of rag dolls in the life of our ancestors and the creation of your own doll.
• Teach us toys. Participation in folk games and acquaintance with toys from different countries.
• Shrovetide. Thematic annual program with master classes and pancake treats.

At the end of the excursions, children receive a traditional clay whistle as a gift and paint it themselves.

A joint trip to the museum of folk toys Zabavushka — an interesting and useful way to spend leisure time for children and their parents.