Waldfee Toy Collection

Dolls, puppets on strings, ritual and other figurines from around the world are housed in these lovingly converted stables.
This collection of more than 5,000 objects provides a unique insight into the astonishing variety of dolls and the materials used to make them. It contains historic toys and a large number of children’s books. In the museum, you will be taken on a world tour through five continents and learn more about the different functions of dolls as toys, cult objects or souvenirs. Dolls are mirrors of cultures, keys to the traditions, religious beliefs and aesthetic ideas of the people who use them. The materials from which they are made reveal information about the climatic, geographical and sociological characteristics of their owners. The collection offers an incentive to make comparisons between the different continents and their craftsmanship.
For children, there is a play corner where they can invent stories with some of the dolls. On the ground floor, a tempting little shop invites visitors to buy gifts, dolls, soft toys and handicrafts from the museum’s own studio. On request, an attentively prepared “coffee and cake” or an aperitif can be organised in the museum for up to a maximum of 8 people. Spend an afternoon or evening in fairytale surroundings.
Links to all museums in the Appenzellerland can be found at
www.museen-im-appenzellerland.ch/