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Of Germany’s many gifts to the world of toys, Playmobil figures stand much taller than their three-inch standard size might suggest. The plaything that debuted in 1974 has proven a hit with children throughout the world; so popular, in fact, the company estimates three billion figures have been produced to date, along with all the teensy-tiny parts a knight, astronaut, policeman or fire-breathing dragon might require.
Through Nov. 21, around 5,000 Playmobil figures, along with some 50,000 accessories, are on display in an unusual location. The Eberbach Monastery, a destination worth exploration any time of the year, hosts an exhibition of these toys, all carefully arranged across a dozen dioramas spread throughout the premises of the ancient monastery.
The exhibition is designed to appeal to young and old visitors alike. Children will love the appearance of the animals and people dressed in old-fashioned costumes, while historically-minded adults will appreciate the portrayal of key moments in the history of the 900-year old Cistercian monastery and the day-to-day life of those who made their homes there through the ages.
Entry to the exhibition costs 10 euros adults age 18 and above and 6 euros for youth ages 6 to 17 with a form of student ID. Those age five and under enter for free. Tickets are available online in advance or at the door. Adults traveling by public transportation get a euro knocked off the price of entry upon presentation of their train/bus ticket. From the Eltville train station, bus number 172 makes the run up to the Eberbach monastery once an hour during peak times of service.
A ticket entitles the bearer to both entry into the Playmobil exhibition and a tour of the monastery. Once the tour is done, a gift shop selling wine and gourmet treats, as well as an onsite restaurant, encourage visitors to linger for a while.
The exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. The address of Eberbach Monastery for your GPS is Kloster-Eberbach-Str. 1, 65346 Eltville am Rhein. For details, see https://kloster-eberbach.de/de.
