return to worldwidereview.com,
the home of critical reviews
From: museums games and videos Category: Art Date: 30 January 2007 Time: 05:36 PM Review: http://www.vam.ac.uk/moc/ I had been past it on the bus many many times. Now it has all been fixed up, spruced etc. However... the two times I went it seemed to be falling apart. What a shame! The front entrance was closed with boards over some of the glass doors. You must enter by the side. Many of the automata are out of order. It all looks like it need a renovation! There are many old and new toys in cases at eye level. The children I went with were more interested in the interactive exhibits like the ball pit and car and little tables and books. The history of toys is not told in a scholarly way, it's more like a jumble sale, and I would have preferred more comprehensive shows of, for example, toy soldiers, rather than just some odds and sods from different eras without much info attached. It's for kids you scream. Well adults might be interested too, I reply nonchalantly. The children enjoyed running all over the place. And on the weekend when it is very busy you can easily lose them in the crowds. I trust the othe nice middle class people are not paedos in disguise! On the weekdays it is quite a relaxing place for childrens and adults. The cafe is praised by some, vilified by others. I enjoyed the espresso and chocolate chip cookie, others complained about poor sausages. Despite all my little moans. Highly recommended!