Missouri Life June 2023

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF TOYS AND MINIATURES Kansas City Where can you go to see a vintage G.I. Joe, a 1914 child’s Singer sewing machine, a circa 1930s Buck Rogers Rocket Space Pistol, and more than 66,500 toys from the late 1900s through the 20th century? Or how about a set of never-fired, one-inch, single-barrel, flintlock dueling pistols in a velvet-lined case, or a 1:24-scale human skeleton? Oxymoron that it is, the world’s largest miniature collection can be seen at The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures on the campus of the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Founded in 1982 by friends Mary Harris Francis and Barbara Hall Marshall, the museum grew out of a lack of space in their respective homes as their personal treasures of whimsical and tiny objects expanded. The spirit of fun and play each is known for is evident in their combined collection. Based on a belief that the best way to enjoy a collection is to share it with other people, the museum is celebrating its 40th year. Visitors of all ages can explore interactive and temporary toy exhibits alongside museum favorites such as the nine-foot-tall Coleman Dollhouse and the 1:12 scale Art Deco jewelry store. Visitors to the museum on the

UMKC campus park for free. ToyAndMiniatureMuseum.org

URANUS SIDESHOW MUSEUM St. Robert The third largest planet in our solar system lends its name to a sideshow attraction in St. Robert. Uranus Sideshow Museum is a must-stop for curiosity-seekers. The museum is featured on the dazzling Uranus Fudge Factory neon sign that has beckoned travelers along historic Route 66 to pull into Uranus since 2018. Inquisitive visitors who explore the exhibits in the Sideshow Museum will discover strange creatures, giants, sideshow attractions, oddities, mummies, and two headed wonders. Katya Kaderva, the astonishing sword swallower at Uranus, performs her show every half-hour Wednesdays through Sundays. A colorful gift shop inside the museum is packed with novelties, magic, and pranks for magicians of all ages. And tongue-in-cheek as always, the museum staff will thank you for picking Uranus. Facebook.com/uranussideshowmuseum

CREDIT SARAH REISER, LAURA ABERNATHY HUFFMAN

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