The Pomskizillious Museum of Toys, located in Xagħra, Gozo, is a charming and unique private museum founded by Susan and Edwin Lowe in the 1970s. Initially started in Devon, England, with a single doll, the collection has since expanded to include a diverse array of toys from around the world. The museum’s name, "Pomzkizillious," is derived from a whimsical word created by the 19th-century artist and writer Edward Lear, who used it to describe the beautiful coastal scenery of Gozo during his visit in 1866.
The museum houses an extensive collection of toys, including a late 18th-century Maltese doll with a carved wooden head, Italian nativity scene figurines from the 1790s, and a variety of toys from the early 20th century such as a 1930s Noah’s Ark, a "Hornby" train set, and Edwin’s "Dinky" vehicles. Noteworthy exhibits include a pressed paper "Hunting Scene" and "Zoo" from over a century ago, and a set of soldiers dressed in the Swedish Army uniforms of the 1750s, crafted in the 1970s.
Other fascinating items on display are lead toys, including cricketers and various zoo and farm animals from the late 19th century, as well as a range of optical and clockwork toys from the 1920s and 1930s. The museum also showcases soft toys by renowned makers such as Steiff, Lenci, and Kathe Kruse.
Visitors to the museum often praise its nostalgic and eclectic collection, with many reviews highlighting the impressive array of dollhouses, toy soldiers, and unique items like a toy yacht used for turbine engine experiments prior to World War I. The museum provides a delightful trip down memory lane, making it a must-visit for toy enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
For more information: Gozo Toy Museum