Exhibition »Playful GDR – toy classics from the East«
Berlin, 7 February 2025 - The GDR was known for its diverse toy production, which originated primarily in the Erzgebirge, Thuringian Forest and Berlin-Brandenburg regions. Production was increasingly centralised after the nationalisation of many companies in 1972, and the Spielwaren Kombinat (Toy Combine) was established in Sonneberg in 1980. A large proportion of the toys were exported, especially to socialist countries.
Despite these successes, the product range was not always able to keep up with the growing demands of consumers, for example with electronic toys. With the end of the GDR, when Western brands became popular, many classic toys disappeared from GDR children's rooms. Today, these classic toys bring back memories and are displayed in exhibitions.
Some manufacturers in East Germany, such as in Sonneberg, are continuing the tradition, for example with PIKO model trains.
The current exhibition »A look into the collection« provides an insight into the fascinating world of GDR toys and the history of an industry that produced creative and sustainable products despite political and economic challenges.
The facts
General data on the exhibition: A look at our collection
• Title: Playful GDR - Toy classics from the East
• Duration: 14.02. - 17.10.2025
• Admission free
Contact
Simone Uthleb, Press spokeswoman, by phone +49 30 847 123 7-47 or presse@ddr-museum.de
