Special exhibition on play, fun, and art: Discover how artists captured play in their paintings, and try out games and creative ideas for yourself at the free hands-on museum.
What do somersaults, card games, bowling, sports, and village church festivals have in common? They all appear in 19th-century art. The exhibition “Playtime,” running from October 11, 2026, to January 10, 2027, is dedicated to play as depicted in paintings, drawings, and photographs, and showcases the diverse ways in which artists have portrayed people, children, and even animals at play.
On view are over 70 works from the museum’s own collection, supplemented by loans from the Otto Schäfer Museum, the Schweinfurt City Archives, and private collections. The images depict carefree moments and childlike joy, but also shed light on the darker sides of play, such as compulsive gambling or the connection between children’s play and child labor. Political and socially critical aspects are also explored through caricatures.
To complement the exhibition, a free hands-on museum spread across four rooms invites visitors to experiment and get creative. Visitors of all ages can discover historical toys, try out games from different decades, and craft their own small souvenirs such as party poppers, paper airplanes, or jumping jacks.
Admission: 10 euros; reduced rate: 8 euros. Interactive museum: free
We look forward to your visit!
For more information, tickets and last-minute changes, visit the event page.
