TOYTOPIA, featuring World’s Largest Etch-A-Sketch, LEGO Wall, other Legendary Toys, makes Midwest debut at Peoria Riverfront Museum
TOYTOPIA, featuring the world’s largest Etch-A-Sketch, a massive LEGO wall, and the most legendary toys ever made, makes its Midwest debut at Peoria Riverfront Museum, May 9-Sept. 7, 2026.
Interactive TOYTOPIA exhibition runs from May 9-Sept. 7, 2026, includes a retro 80s game arcade, giant playable versions of classic games and immersive toy displays for all ages.
PEORIA, Ill., May 8, 2026—The Peoria Riverfront Museum unleashes a whirlwind of nostalgia and super-sized fun with the Midwest debut of TOYTOPIA, opening May 9, 2026, which showcases classic American toys from throughout the nation’s history. It is one of eight exhibitions in the largest museum-led celebration of America 250, anchored by The Promise of Liberty, guest curated by Ken Burns.
Running through Sept. 7, 2026, the immersive, larger-than-life exhibition celebrates the toys that shaped a generation. TOYTOPIA transforms the museum’s 5,000-square-foot Experience Gallery into a vibrant world of creativity, discovery and hands-on fun, featuring the world’s largest Etch-A-Sketch®, massive LEGO® wall, a retro 80s game arcade and giant, life-size board games like Battleship® and Connect 4®.
TOYTOPIA blends nostalgia with innovation. Visitors of all ages can explore the history behind the art, science, and engineering of the world’s most legendary toys.
The exhibition showcases beloved brands including Hasbro®, Duncan Yo-Yo®, Schleich®, Breyer®, Crayola® and KNEX®, while inviting guests to build, experiment, problem-solve and play together. From constructing with Lincoln Logs® and a vintage Erector Set® to exploring a LEGO play zone, full-size video games, and making music on a giant floor piano, TOYTOPIA turns play into an unforgettable learning adventure.
“We’re bringing TOYTOPIA, the largest collection of the world’s most iconic toys from the past century, to Peoria for the first time and into the largest space ever displayed, our 5,000 square foot Experience Gallery,” said John D. Morris, president and CEO of the Peoria Riverfront Museum. “These are fun, giant-size versions of classic toys. It’s a one-of-a-kind exhibition, sure to unleash the full talent and genius of every individual.”
The exhibition is made possible through the support of PNC Bank, the Ruby K. Warner Charitable Trust, OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois, America 250 donors, the Visionary Society and Family Fun Club.
“PNC is proud to support TOYTOPIA because the Peoria Riverfront Museum plays a critical role in learning and shared experiences that last a lifetime,” said Brian Ray, PNC regional president of Central Illinois. “This exhibit sparks curiosity, encourages creativity and helps strengthen Peoria’s role as a vibrant destination for education, innovation and fun.”
TOYTOPIA takes visitors on a nostalgic journey through more than a century of toy history, from the early 20th-century classics to modern innovations, rekindling the wonder and delight of favorite childhood moments. The immersive and interactive displays, trivia, and video bring the stories behind these beloved toys and games to life.
“One of the first and best ways we learn is through play. TOYTOPIA will evoke a sense of wonder and allow you to share favorite memories of your own treasured toys with your loved ones,” said Renae Kerrigan, curator of science and planetarium director at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
TOYTOPIA highlights include:
- The World’s Largest Etch-A-Sketch
- A retro 80s arcade with full-size cabinet video games
- LEGO Play Area/LEGO Wall
- A Giant Road Play Surface
- A “Kinetic Toys,” area for exploring the science of toys
- Schylling Tin Toys shows how toys are created out of simple sheets of tin
- Keva Planks, Lincoln Logs, and brain teasers
- Large-scale versions of vintage games such as Battleship and Connect 4
- Video game music quiz
- Giant electronic floor piano
TOYTOPIA is part of the Peoria Riverfront Museum’s America 250 celebration, commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026 with programs and exhibitions highlighting American art, science, history and achievement, including The Promise of Liberty exhibition, guest curated by Ken Burns.
“We are grateful to our sponsors for making it possible to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to Peoria for the first time,” said Morris.
For more information about the exhibitions, visit the museum’s website at peoriariverfrontmuseum.org.
About Peoria Riverfront Museum
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is the only multidisciplinary institution of its kind in the nation, combining art, science, history, and achievement. The museum is dedicated to using its collections, exhibitions, giant screen theater, dome planetarium, and programming to tell the stories that build confidence, spark life-long learning, and unleash the full talent and genius of every individual. Learn more at riverfrontmuseum.org.
Contact Melody Konrad, Peoria Riverfront Museum assistant director of marketing and communications at MKonrad@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org
