Exhibitions

Current Exhibitions
Upcoming Exhibitions
Permanent Collections in the Galleries
Past Exhibitions
 

Kid Stuff
Great Toys from Our Childhood
October 1, 2011 – March 4, 2012

Slinkys, Wooly Willys, Whee-los, Magic Eight Balls, Magic Yo-Yo’s, Etch A Sketch®, Spirographs, Colorforms, Matchbox® Cars,  PEZ Dispensers, LEGO®s, Erector sets, Lionel Trains, Tonkas, Hot Wheels, Frisbee®s, G.I. Joes, Barbie^TM Dolls, Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs, and Mr. Potato Head brought hours of fun and entertainment to kids throughout the 1950s and 60s. Many of these toys from the past still appear on store shelves today, holding their own against the onslaught of computerized games and robotic pets. Kid Stuff, an interactive exhibition based on the book by David Hoffman, takes us back to the age of tailfins and vinyl records with more than 40 vintage toys, which reveal a fascinating look at invention and innovation, social history and industrial growth, play and entertainment. Visitors of all ages will be able to see vintage toys with original packaging and promotional material and have the opportunity to play and interact with contemporary versions. Additional materials such as photos of toy factory interiors, images of children at play, video presentations, and interpretive texts explore the toys’ invention and evolution, how they work, and their significance in American culture. The exhibition was designed by Amy Reichert Architecture+Design with graphic design and art direction by Winstanley Associates. Kid Stuff will occupy nearly 5,000 square feet in the second floor galleries at the Albany Institute.

Learn more

RELATED EVENTS

The Albany Institute of History & Art will be a Toys for Tots drop-off location throughout November and December.

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

We need your LEGO! In conjunction with Kid Stuff, the Albany Institute of History and Art will host lots of programs for children of all ages, including a planned Lego building competition.  Please consider donating your old or unused LEGO toys.  Call (518) 463-4478 ext. 402, to organize your drop off. Thank you!

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MEDIA INQUIRIES
Nycole Kinns
Public Relations and Marketing
Tel: (518) 463-4478, ext. 420
Fax: (518) 462-1522
Email: kinnsn@albanyinstitute.org

© Albany Institute of History & Art    125 Washington Avenue  Albany, NY   12210  Tel: 518.463.4478  E-mail: information@albanyinstitute.org