12/5/2018

        For my Historical Events assignment, I went to the Toy and Miniature Museum next to campus. I chose this location, as opposed to the numerous other museums in Kansas City, because it was close to campus and free. Initially, I wasn’t all that excited about the assignment because museums aren’t necessarily my favorite places; I usually find them boring. However, upon arrival, the museum looked so cute that I got excited. The layout of the displays was like art itself, and most of the halls were a light blue or cream color.

Picture taken online from http://www.mccowngordon.com/

        My expectations were raised further once I walked into the T/m museum, as it only got more stylish and luxurious looking. The building was divided so that miniatures were in one area, and toys were in another. Though I spent a good potion of time in the museum, I only made it through the miniatures section. I immediately because fascinated with how intricate and ornate every single piece was. Immediately inside the entrance, there was a display that gave a short explanation for the art of miniatures, including the average ratio of 1 inch: 12 inches for the artwork.

The entryway to the Miniature Section

        I was amazed by the history that lived within these pieces. Obviously, with the amount of time and effort it takes to create even the tiniest of chairs, the artist must have a passion for what they’re creating. The attention taken creates a feeling of living history inside these pieces. Many of the pieces has a quite Victorian feel, with one having a four-poster bed with ornate wooden tables and sheer fabric curtains. I could almost imagine the minds of the Americans who decorated such places, and their obsessive idealism for all things English. Though many of the items didn’t have tags with names or dates, the ones that did ranges everywhere from 1682 until 2018.

The picture above includes two artifacts from the late 17th century. 

        My favorite case was a violin which contained a music shop inside of it, as a fellow musician. I also really enjoyed the cases that had vintage styled hats and dishes. It was easy to imagine Southern ladies strolling brick streets in similar costumes.

A small violin workshop built within a violin

        I was amazed to find out the museum was put together by a woman who worked in Kansas City at Hallmark, and volunteered at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. Not only did to search to find the finest miniatures, but she also commissioned pieces from artists who she admired.

Marshall collected or commissioned every artifact within the museum

        One part of the exhibit, hidden in one nook like cranny, was additionally inspiring. It was tucked away so much that you would miss it if you blinked while walking by, and it contained solely native American pieces. There was a multitude of different mediums, including pots, dolls, skins, feathers, and more. One thing I found thought provoking was the recreating of a native American home. For the longest time, I imagined all native Americans lived in clay or straw huts, with incredibly simple living conditions. Once we learned in class how advanced their civilizations became in an effort to assimilate to American culture, the idea in my head shifted a little bit. However, the miniature that detailed a native American home really helped me realize how similar native Americans were to everyday colonists.

        

Picture above shows native american artifacts, picture right shows recreation of native american home

Another part of the museum I absolutely loved was the microscope section. There is an entire line of microscopes, all of which contain pieces of art that are too small and detailed to appreciate with the naked human eye. There was a tiny pencil, a painting within a smaller painting, and even pictures painted onto the heads of pins. I couldn’t believe the amount of detail accomplished inside such a small space.

Picture shows the view through a microscope of paintings on the heads of pins

        Though it was a museum filled with tiny, intricate pieces, there were equally as intricate pieces that were 3, 4, or even 5 feet tall. These pieces, usually ornate houses, were equally as incredible. Each room was fully furnished and detailed down to the slight shift of the curtain. Some even had functioning electricity.

Picture taken from http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/

        Overall, I truly enjoyed my experienced at the Toy and Miniature Museum. I initially wasn’t thrilled about the assignment, but I now am looking forward to taking my niece and nephew there on Thursday. I can’t wait to show tell them about the history shown in these artifacts, especially in the native American section, as my niece has studied that in her classes in previous years. These tiny pieces really brought the time period alive through their attention to detail. Though most of the museum is extraordinarily small, they make a big impact due to the history that they represent.