Museum of Toys and Playthings opened

Museum of Toys and Playthings opened

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Nov 15, 2017: Udupi DC Priyanka Mary Francis inaugurated the Museum of Toys and Playthings at the Hasta Shilpa Heritage House on the occasion of Children’s Day here on Nov 14, Tuesday.

 

The museum showcases a collection of toys and playthings, many of which were traditionally used in different parts of south Karnataka for and by children from infancy onwards. Some of these objects had played an important role in the development of skills among children such as motor, neurological, and cognitive skills. These objects are no longer used now. There are also miniatures such as animal figures, kitchen utensils, Channapatna wooden toys, traditional board games, and interesting little knick-knacks from different parts. Lastly, there are a number of carved wooden cradles.

Speaking on the occasion, DC Francis said that it was fitting that the house where the heritage conservationist, late Vijaynath Shenoy, lived for some time, has been converted into a museum for toys. Every piece in this museum told a story. Sri  Shenoy had constructed the house from antiques, in old times thrown away by others. “It will encourage children to respect history. Now children play on mobile phones and video games. They will learn how children of earlier times used to play from this museum,” she said.

Harish Pai, trust member, said that the museum would provide a dedicated space for school-going children. “It will soon become a vibrant learning space. Exhibitions, performances, story-telling sessions, summer schools and workshops appropriate for school-going children are also planned,” he said.

This museum was the last one curated by Shenoy a few months before he passed away. But it was slightly inaccessible at the Heritage Village. Hence it was shifted here.  The museum will be open only for three days a week – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays – from November to February, exclusively to groups of school children only by advance booking by phone/email. Interested schools may call Ph.: 9483634576 or email hastashilpahouse@gmail.com