Museum of Zirndorf
Tin toy industry in Zirndorf
The cities of Nuremberg and Fürth are well-known for the production of toys. But since 1840, when Konrad Frauenschläger started producing simple tin-rattles made of zinc or aluminum, tin toys were also produced in Zirndorf, a town near Fürth in Middle-Frankonia. By 1880, a growing number of craftsmen were producing a variety of spinning tops, toy trumpets, music boxes, money banks, toy stoves, and other kitchenware for children.
Within only a few decades, Zirndorf had developed from a rural farm village to anindustrial town. Up to 90% of the products were exported abroad.
The historical development of the toy industry in Zirndorf along with many products of the manufacturers are displayed in five rooms.
1632 The battle of Zirndorf
The exhibits on the upper floor of the museum portray this historic event in Zirndorf during the Thirty Years´ War between 1618 and 1648, which involved large parts of Europe. During the summer of 1632 a battle took place near the“Alte Veste“ - a former castle in Zirndorf. Commander-in-chief Albrecht von Wallenstein had erected a huge camp near the 'Alte Veste' and was attacked by the troops of the Swedish King Gustavus II Adolphus. This chapter of the Thirty Years´ War history is illustrated by contemporary reports about camp-life. Detailed description of the course of the battle and of the fate of the soldiers and the civilian population is illustrated, as well.
Special exhibitions
The attic of the half-timbered house, which was erected around 1640, offers a spacious showroom which is mainly used for various special
exhibitions throughout the year.
