Toy and Miniature Museum fundraising for renovations

The Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City this week announced a public fund raising campaign for renovations and improvements.

The museum at 52^nd and Oak streets has one of the largest collections of its kind in the country but survival can be tough. It notes in a press release that at least 27 toy and doll museums have closed in the last decade.

They have already raised over $8 million of the $9.2 million needed for the work to start late next year.

The money will pay for things like upgrading of heating and cooling, building the endowment fund and creating a master plan for exhibits and interpretation.

The museum is also kicking off its 30^th anniversary by changing its name to the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.

Executive director Jamie Berry said, “While we celebrate our 30^th anniversary and founders Mary Harris Francis and Barbara Marshall, we are continuing our work implementing a strategic plan which honors their important legacy.”

The name change will help the transition from “one of Kansas City’s best-kept secrets to the nation’s leading museum of fine-scale, contemporary art miniatures and antique toys,” the release states.