Toys have always played an essential role in a child’s development—from the earliest antiquity to modern times. Even in prehistoric times, children amused themselves with objects from their surroundings—sticks, pebbles, and various natural materials.

This very theme is the focus of the newest temporary exhibition, “Would You Like to Play?”, presented at the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv. The exhibition is realized in partnership with the historical museums in Belovo and Strelcha and traces the development of children’s games and toys from Antiquity to the present day.

Across eight colorful panels, visitors can explore the stories of the earliest toys, outdoor games, as well as role-playing and board games. A special emphasis is placed on musical toys, which support the development of children’s emotions, coordination, and social skills, while also creating a sense of achievement.

Among the highlights of the exhibition are fascinating stories about the creation of some of the world’s most beloved toys—the Teddy bear and the Barbie doll.

“The exhibition ‘Would You Like to Play?’ also includes numerous exhibits that take us back in time and awaken childhood memories—the time when our grandparents, parents, and we ourselves were children. Let us not forget that there is a child within each of us, and children love to play the most,” shares Grozdelina Georgieva, curator at the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv.

The official opening of the exhibition will take place on April 8 (Wednesday) at 6:00 PM at the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv, 2 Dr. Stoyan Chomakov Street.