Through the air, over the water, round and round
Tin Toy Collection in “The Achter”
The world’s largest private collection of tin toys open to the public: Hans-Peter Porsche’s collection includes approximately 2,100 items from the years 1860 – 1930.
Many of the items are rarities – all of them are fully functional.
OF EAGLES AND ROCKETS
In 1829, the Rocket locomotive won a sensational race. Just six years later, the Adler (German for “Eagle”) travelled between Nuremberg and Fürth, becoming the spearhead of new mobility. Toymakers were inspired by rapidly growing rail networks and increasingly modern locomotives. In Germany in particular, model trains soon became the most popular toys of their time, available in a wide array of sizes, and powered by clockwork, electricity or steam. The Traumwerk brings the golden age of tin toy trains back to life.
HIGH-FLIERS OF ANY COLLECTION
Ever since Otto Lilienthal’s 1891 glider, toymakers have been producing replicas of flying machines – most of them are even fully functional! Whenever a new development in aviation was made, toy models appeared soon thereafter. The mighty zeppelins were considered a particular technological highlight. Controlled by clockwork mechanisms, zeppelins are an eye-catching must have in every tin toy collection.
ADVENTURES ON THE HIGH SEAS
Ships and steamers were the high-tech modes of transportation in the 19th century. Thanks to the ultra-modern imperial naval fleet, sailor suits became an integral part of children’s fashion. Toy manufacturers responded with matching, true-to-scale model ships made of tin. Later, large ocean liners transported wealthy passengers, immigrants and mail across the oceans quicker than ever before. These eventful times are captured in Hans-Peter Porsche’s tin toy collection.
TIN TOYS – THE HIGH-TECH GADGETS OF THEIR TIME
High-quality, multi-faceted, painstakingly made – and incredibly popular. Powered by simple wind-up keys or steam engines, toy motorcycles and cars, carousels, trams, ships and zeppelins bear fascinating witness to a time when people were captivated by technology. The fascination with toys is passed down from one generation to the next. Our tin toy collection – and the fascination it sparks – has found its home in “The Achter”, our 2,500 m2 exhibition space.
Tours
Experience history up close
Would you like to learn more about the Hans-Peter Porsche collection?
Join us on a tour of the tin toy collection. Book your private tour or a spot in one of our group tours.
The “Achter” facts & figures
