Step into a restored house in the heart of Tehran, and you’ll find yourself transported through time—not by a time machine, but by toys. From ancient Persia to Soviet Russia and the United States, these relics of childhood span centuries and continents, reigniting memories you didn’t even know you had. It’s a place where nostalgia meets history, and every corner tells a story.
Azadeh Bayat, the 46-year-old founder of this unique museum, initially envisioned it as a haven for children and teenagers. But here’s where it gets interesting: since its opening last year after six years of meticulous renovations, the museum has become a magnet for adults too. “I’m amazed by how many grown-ups visit,” Bayat, a researcher in children’s education, told AFP. With over 2,000 toys collected from around the globe, her mission is clear: to bridge the generational gap by letting kids explore the playthings of their parents and grandparents. “It’s about connecting worlds,” she explains, “and fostering understanding across age groups.”
Wandering through the museum, you’ll spot a solitary clay animal figurine from ancient Persia, encased in glass like a treasured artifact. Nearby, a cluster of wooden matryoshka dolls, dressed in traditional Russian attire with rosy cheeks, stand proudly beside gleaming Soviet tin cars. And this is the part most people miss: tucked among the displays is an Atari console, a relic from the 1980s that marks the dawn of video gaming. Even American Barbie dolls—once heavily restricted in Iran as symbols of Western influence—are on show, their presence sparking conversations about cultural exchange and resistance.
Speaking of Barbie, her popularity in Iran led authorities to create the modestly dressed ‘Sara and Dara’ dolls in the early 2000s as a local alternative. For Maedeh Mirzaei, a 27-year-old gold sector employee, these dolls evoke a flood of memories. “Their faces were everywhere—on books, notebooks, you name it,” she recalls. But here’s the controversial part: while some see these dolls as a cultural safeguard, others argue they were a reactionary response to globalization. What do you think?
Across the room, a museum worker captivates a group of schoolchildren with a wooden acrobat puppet named ‘Ali Varjeh,’ or ‘Ali the Jumper.’ With a simple pull of a string, the puppet springs to life, its movements a testament to timeless craftsmanship. The museum also hosts themed events, like a recent celebration of the Belgian character Tintin and shadow puppetry shows, keeping traditions alive for new generations.
For Mehdi Fathi, a 31-year-old fitness instructor, visiting the museum was like stepping back into his childhood. “I remember playing with these toys in the streets or at home,” he shares. “Kids today might think our dolls were silly or primitive, but here’s the bold truth: those toys shaped us. They taught us creativity, resilience, and imagination in ways modern gadgets can’t.”
So, as you leave this treasure trove of toys, ask yourself: What role do playthings play in shaping who we are? And are we losing something as we move toward more digital forms of entertainment? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation that’s just getting started.
