Photo: Igor Yaruta
Special exhibition
Mobile Children's Worlds
29 October 2020 until 20 February 2022
Who doesn’t love them—the colorful pedal cars, scooters, and tricycles?
Photo: Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum
In collaboration with the German Bicycle Museum and collector Eva-Maria Mayer, the special exhibition explores over 150 years of "mobile children's worlds." Around 80 exhibited vehicles—some quirky and rare—showcase an astonishing range of inventiveness, childlike imagination, and technical creativity.
Photo: Fortepan
The history of children's vehicles provides insight into the everyday realities of their time and the developments in mobility, society, and education during the 19th and 20th centuries. While the earliest toys for children were handcrafted prestige items, industrial production and a new educational understanding—particularly after World War II—led to the widespread introduction of these toys into children's rooms.
Photo: Deutsches Fahrradmuseum
Today, outdoor play has become less common: The exhibited children's vehicles aim to rekindle the joy of mobile play in the fresh air.
From historic rocking horses to vintage pedal cars, wicker prams, and Steiff animals, there is much to admire for visitors of all ages. And with soapbox cars, BMX bikes, or Kettcars, many adults will find themselves nostalgically transported back in time.
Insights
The special exhibition was created in collaboration with the Deutschen Fahrradmuseum Bad Brückenau.