Dublin Toy Museum: Metal Miniature Painting with Souvenir

Summary

Try painting a metal miniature in Dublin — cast your own figure, paint it however you want, and bring home a little piece of the Toy Museum.

You’ll pick your own mould at Dublin’s Toy Museum, watch staff cast your metal miniature right in front of you, then paint it however you like before taking it home as a souvenir. With friendly local staff guiding you and museum admission included, it’s an unexpectedly personal way to spend an hour — one of those small moments you’ll remember long after your trip.

What’s the experience like?

I was late because I got lost looking for the entrance — classic me. The Toy Museum in Dublin isn’t exactly hidden, but I still managed to walk right past it twice. When I finally made it inside, my hands were cold from the wind outside and honestly, I felt a bit silly. But then one of the staff (I think her name was Aoife?) just smiled and said, “Don’t worry, happens all the time.” That helped. She led me over to this workbench where you could actually see all these old rubber moulds lined up — toy soldiers, ballerinas, even tiny castles. There was this faint metallic smell in the air mixed with something like acrylic paint and coffee from someone’s mug nearby.

The coolest part? Watching them pour liquid metal into the mould I picked out (I went for a fairy door — don’t judge). It hissed and steamed for a second before they popped it open and handed me this warm, silvery shape. I didn’t expect it to feel so heavy in my palm. Then they pointed me toward the painting corner — jars of paint everywhere, brushes sticking out at odd angles. A kid next to me was painting his soldier bright purple; his dad just shrugged when he caught my eye like, “What can you do?” My own attempt at shading ended up looking more like accidental camouflage but honestly, that was half the fun.

There’s something weirdly calming about sitting there with strangers, all hunched over tiny figures in total concentration except for someone humming quietly near the window. The light was soft that day — not sure if it always is — but it made everything feel slower somehow. When I finished (well, decided to stop fussing), Aoife came by again and told me to sign the bottom if I wanted. So now there’s a lopsided fairy door on my shelf at home with my initials on it. Still makes me smile when I see it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Metal Miniature Painting Workshop

• Watch live metal casting demonstration
• Choose mould for casting
• Paint your primed figure with acrylics
• Take home your painted model

Top questions

Is this activity suitable for children?

Yes, children over 7 years old can participate if accompanied by an adult.

How long does the metal miniature painting workshop last?

The workshop lasts about 60 minutes.

Do I get to keep the model I make?

Yes, you take your painted metal miniature home as a souvenir.

Is admission to the Toy Museum included?

Yes, entry to the Toy Museum exhibits is included with your booking.

Can I choose which model to cast?

Yes, you can choose from several moulds like toy soldiers or fairy doors.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed.

Are infants or small children allowed?

Infants can be present in prams or strollers but only children over 7 can participate in painting.

What’s included

Your visit includes admission to Dublin’s Toy Museum exhibits plus a hands-on session where staff cast your chosen metal miniature for you to paint and keep as a personal souvenir before heading home.