Tiny things

I love tiny things. In fact on my desk right now, is a little hand thrown vase, that is 1 1/2 inches tall. It’s so precious. I love the shape, color, details, proportion. It’s perfect. And tiny.

When I was in Kansas City last summer, I saw that there was a miniature museum in town. How had I missed out on this? The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, was founded by two woman who collected dollhouses and miniatures. They were brought together by mutual friends and amassed an amazing collection. They were strongly encouraged by their families to find a home for the thousands of pieces they held, which resulted in this museum. It is now maintained by the University of Kansas.

The collection runs the gamut from toys, dollhouses, miniature furniture, elaborate accessories and tiny skeletons. It’s the only museum where you have to keep your reading glasses on the whole time. It’s almost too much, because you have to look so intently at very small things for a long time. When you get to the vintage toy floor, with it’s big, bold playthings, it is a relief on your vision.

The only disappointment was the gift shop. Unlike the late Washington Doll’s House and Toy Museum, which was a treasure trove of high end miniatures, they don’t have a lot to offer, most of it kits and packaged items. I didn’t buy a thing.

But I enjoyed my visit.