Hape Toys and The Metropolitan Museum of Art are unveiling a new collaborative toy collection at Toy Fair New York, marking the next step in a partnership first announced last year.
“Welcoming families and inspiring the next generation of creators is central to The Met’s mission,” says Josh Romm, Head of Global Licensing and Partnerships at The Met. “Through our collaboration with Hape, we are extending the reach of our collection beyond the Museum’s walls, transforming iconic works of art into playful, educational experiences that invite children to connect with creativity, history, and storytelling in their everyday lives.”
The collection blends fine art with early learning, translating well-known works and artistic traditions into toys designed for infants, toddlers, and young children. Drawing inspiration from The Met’s collection, which spans 5,000 years of global art history and includes more than 2 million works, the line turns celebrated visual styles into hands-on play experiences. Product categories include wooden puzzles, stacking and building toys, sensory play items, and imaginative blocks.
Artistic influences referenced in the collection include artists such as Hokusai, Klimt, Monet, and Van Gogh, with designs intended to introduce children to color, form, and movement through play. Each item is created with a focus on developmental value, combining visual storytelling with tactile interaction. Packaging is designed to extend the learning experience by sharing background on the artwork that inspired each toy, connecting playtime with cultural discovery.
The toys are developed with input from early childhood experts and reflect Hape’s emphasis on thoughtful design, sustainability, and learning through play. For The Met, the collaboration extends its mission to engage families and younger audiences beyond the museum’s physical spaces.
The Hape X The Met collection is being introduced exclusively at Toy Fair, which runs Feb. 14-17, and will be on display at Booth No. 635.
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