The story of our Jurassian Toy Museum

From medieval origins to the Jurassian turnery

As of the 12^th century, the Saint-Claude abbey attracted many pilgrims. The monks made by themselves objects of piety (paternosters or rosaries) made in wood, horn and ivory. The local peasants then took over the know-how, and as of the 14^th century, produced small objects and toys for the pilgrims’ children’s. 

At the end of the Middle Ages, the activity diversified. The industrial revolution transformed the workshops: the wheel lathe, and then the hydropower, replaced the lathe with manual bow, improving productivity. The golden triangle of the turnery took shape between Lons-le-Saunier, Morez and Nantua, where specialized centers developed.

1900-1950

Moirans-en-Montagne, French birthplace of the toy

The first toys turned in Moirans-en-Montagne date back to 1820. Whistles and recorders became the local specialty. Around 1850, the little whistle “bibi”, sold in thousands copies, gave to Moirans its nickname: “Bibitown”.

In the 20^th century, Moirans becomes one of the main centers of turnery and the toys capital. Bowling games, croquets, bilboquets, cubes and building games, and then board games and riding toys enrich the Jurassian catalogues. The hand-painted toys by the “rubanneuses” are the local signature. The electrification of the workshops, the cooperatives and the economic patriotism after 1918 consolidate the local production.

1950-1980

From wood to plastic: the industrial development 

After the Second World War, the transition between wood and plastic transform the sector: celluloid, then polymers made from petrochemistry enable a mass production of toys at lower prices. Moirans, despite the concurrency of Oyonnax, asserts itself as toy capital. New cheap toys manufacturers appear in the 50’s and 60’s, and with them, the take-off of future big names like Moquin Breuil (Smoby). The wooden toy is then declining, despite the activity of a few defenders of the wood like Educalux, Vilac or Jeujura. France becomes the 5^th producer in the world, 1/6 of its production being exported. In 1967, the main manufacturers from Jura unite in the group SUPERJOUET, which became 10 years later the 1^st French toys exporter.

The 80’s

Globalization and local renewal

The international concurrency, the arrival of electronic and video games and the counterfeiting disrupt the sector. In order to preserve the local skills, an exhibition about the toy and the traditional methods is organized in 1986 by the municipality. 

That year, the Association pour la Tournerie et le Jouet Français is created to support the local production. In 1987, the architectural project of the Toy House is validated, and the construction begin in 1988.

The Toy House

Innovation and professionalization 

In May 1989, the Toy House opens. A brightly colored industrial building, designed by Guy Bonnivard, welcoming at the same time a museum retracing the history of the Jurassian toy, and professional services (center of research, a branch of the Laboratoire National d’Essai, collective actions for the manufacturers). Between 1990 and 1996, the building grows and the museography evolves.

1997-2010

The House becomes a Museum

In January 1997, the municipality of Moirans-en-Montagne take charge of the museum management. Temporary exhibitions, educational workshops and an audiovisual room strengthen the offer. In 2002, the museum obtains the label “Musée de France”, with 15.000 games and toys spanning 4.000 years of history. 

The acquisition in 2003 of the collection from the Toy Museum of Canet-en-Roussillon mark the beginning of a project of museographic renovation, realized by the transfer of the management to the inter-municipality in 2009.

2010-2012

A modernized museum

The museum closes for 22 months, for construction. The architects Blanc, Potard and Duboin renovate and modernize the whole museum, while respecting the original architecture of Guy Bonnivard. The Atelier A Kiko realize the museography, colorful and attractive.

Since 2012

A living and playful Toy Museum

The new museum, opened the 1st July 2012, covers 3.400 m2. The outdoor spaces offer sliding paths, climbing, and green games. Inside, almost 2.000 games and toys are staged by L’Atelier à Kiko, supported by audiovisuals and sound devices. The teddy bear “Nours” guide visitors in an interactive journey where we play while discovering the heritage.

Each year, new surprises enrich the journey, and a project of complete redevelopment is ongoing to enhance the immersive and sensorial experience of the museum.