"Top Secret: Mission Toy" at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum

The large sign at the entrance to this fun-filled exhibit says it best: “Toy Experts! Your mission is to play, explore and test your knowledge of the world of toys!” For any tyke who’s ever proclaimed himself a toy authority (and isn’t that all of them?), this is wonderful news—even if Mom or Dad has to read him the message. After that, say goodbye to your kid, because you probably won’t see him again for an hour or so, as he tries out the jam-packed roomful of playthings in an interactive exhibit hailing from Canada, with impressive trilingual (English, Spanish and French) signs.

The “Toy Experts” check in to the “factory” with a hand-scanner, don an orange lab coat emblazoned with the words “Top Secret” and begin their hard work. There’s a glass cabinet of Doll Diplomats dying to explain via a recording how they are played with by kids the world over. At the Top Table, which traces the cultural phenomenon of spinners, children are encouraged to make their own twirling toy. The Inside Job table requires tots to use their deductive skills to match each plaything to its X-ray image. There’s even a book nook, appropriately titled Stay Informed, where exhausted Experts (and their parents) can take a break by reading tales such as Olivia and Tuff Fluff.

In addition to being amusing, the show does a great job of spotlighting diversity via play. If ever there were a catalyst for kids to learn about other cultures, this exhibit is it. Particularly effective in this regard is the Top Secret Toy Files, a giant structure consisting of brightly colored boxes with flaps that open and close. Little ones find out about a variety of toys by examining the clue on each flap. For example: “What am I? Your mom or dad probably squared off with me.” Bet you can guess what’s behind that door (a Rubik’s Cube). By the time they’re done, tykes will be experts on toys and, more important, the world.—Vanessa Friedman

"Top Secret: Mission Toy" is on view at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum through Jan 3, 2010.

See more...

• Preview of "Top Secret: Mission Toy"
• Roundup of ongoing toy displays
• Museums & Sights articles
• Articles from this issue