Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 2:30 p.m.
In this special program celebrating opening weekend of TOYTOPIA , join us at the Peoria Riverfront Museum for a conversation with Chris Byrne. Author, independent toy analyst, researcher and consultant, Chris has over 35 years of industry experience, and will be presenting on toys that changed the world.
Enjoy this Museum Conversation followed by a Q&A led by the curator of science and director of the dome planetarium Renae Kerrigan.
Museum admission is included in the ticket price.
Tickets:
Adult: $20 | Member Adult: $15
Senior: $18 | Member Senior: $15
Child: $18 | Member Child: $10
Get tickets HERE
Did you know that the Slinky was created by a naval engineer? Or that Play-Doh was originally made as a wallpaper cleaner? Play had always been found in the strangest of places. In this Museum Conversation, toy expert and historian Chris Byrne will explore toys throughout history and their impact they have with children and adults alike. Imagination allows us to see possibility, and from there, we take the actions to make those things real, whether it’s building a fort out of tables and blankets or solving a complicated engineering problem. Play is also how we locate ourselves within our culture, and essentially become who we are.
TOYTOPIA supported by PNC, Ruby K. Warner Charitable Trust, OSF Healthcare Children's Hospital of Illinois, America 250 donors, Visionary Society, Family Fun Club
