Tuesday, February 9, 2016

La Esquina Museo del Juguete Mexicano


February 2016 - San Miguel de Allende Mexico


San Miguel's toy museum, La Esquina, Museo del Juguete Mexicano (The Corner, Mexican Toy Museum) is located at Nuñez #40 and contains a collection of over 1000 traditional toys.
Don't be fooled by this map that last block of San Francisco is very steep, just be glad the museum is only halfway up the hill.


We arrived around 4:30 PM and the sunlight was producing immense shadows on the glass display cabinets.


There are three permanent display rooms: one dedicated to dollhouses, another to animals and transportation, and the third room is called "the fair," and shows masks, musical instruments and miniature fairground rides. 

I think adults appreciate this museum more than children.







The ingenuity and creativity that went into the crafting of these folk toys is astounding.














Lucha libre (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈlutʃa ˈlibɾe], meaning "freestyle wrestling") is a term used in Mexico, and other Spanish-speaking countries, for a form of professional wrestling that has developed within those countries. Although the term nowadays refers exclusively to professional wrestling, it was originally used in the same style as the English term "freestyle wrestling",referring to an amateur wrestling style without the restrictions of Greco-Roman wrestling.

Mexican wrestling is characterized by colorful masks, rapid sequences of holds and maneuvers, as well as "high-flying" maneuvers, some of which have been adopted in the United States. The wearing of masks has developed special significance, and matches are sometimes contested in which the loser must permanently remove his mask, which is a wager with a high degree of weight attached. 



Snakes and ladders.




I want this doll house!! So traditional.






And a little known secret is the incredible view of the town and surrounding area from the lovely terrace.


This doesn't look as steep as it is!



 As well you get a very good view of life on the rooftops of this magical town.




Back inside.






Click here for our next stop - Guanajuato.


11 comments:

  1. That is quite a collection. The carousels catch my interest!

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  2. Such a colorful collection - de colores de Mexico son muy spectacular!! (and that does it for my Spanish). Great post~

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  3. Wow, this is taking toys to a whole new level. Amazing collection.

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  4. It is true, I think adults enjoy the museum more than kids. It is all about the memories. Looking at these pictures reminded me of how obsessed my brother was with lucha libre when we were growing up. Nowadays, kids are more into video games and tablets.

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  5. I love the these crafts. Such variety of styles and materials. I've seen mats made from banana leaf but that train is ingenious!

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  6. I am always drawn to the colors of Mexican toys, crafts and clothing.

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  7. Wow what a cool museum! This reminds me of one I went to somewhere in New Zealand some years ago.

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  8. I love the nostalgia of toy museums. I wonder how many older Mexicans visit here and ooh and ohh at toys they see that played with as children ;) #TPThursday

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  9. How fun! I don't think I'll ever be too old to enjoy toys...I love them all.

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  10. Beautiful works of art. I used to love to go to Mexico, but it's been years ago now. - Margy

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  11. Very cool! Some of those woven toys are quite impressive!

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