Ready for a journey through time, memories and imagination? The new Toys Department exhibition at Hangar Y opens its doors to you for a unique experience that will awaken in you the child who still sleeps. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a game lover or simply curious to discover new perspectives, this exhibition is for you!

How about we play? Imagine walking down the aisles of a huge toy store, amazed by the profusion of bright colors and playful shapes that surround you. At the heart of a bold scenography designed by the artist Ad Minoliti – inspired both by the warm atmosphere of children's boutiques and by the geometric aesthetic of the Bauhaus – the new exhibition at Hangar Y invites us to discover the fascinating history of toys throughout the ages.

From ancient toys testifying to the first forms of play in Antiquity to contemporary pieces imagined by internationally renowned artists, the exhibition aims to be immersive and interactive. Here we take a photo of ourselves disguised as a toy, we observe a game of goose through a magnifying glass, we try to discover blindly what is hidden in these dark boxes... And we wonder. What image does the iconic Barbie doll convey of femininity? Can certain toys become propaganda tools? Does the toy necessarily have to be eco-responsible? From the first dolls to construction games, including figurines and board games, the exhibition compares more than 80 collectible toys with the captivating works of around fifty contemporary artists inviting us on a real journey through time which opens up an original reflection on the new perspectives of the world of games.

From the first steps in this immersive gallery at Hangar Y, immerse yourself in the world of Identity, where the legendary Barbie doll embodies much more than a simple toy. Discover how this icon has shaped children's perceptions of identity throughout the decades, while the artists' works invite us to question gender norms and stereotypes associated with toys.

Continue your exploration in the Generation section, where toys become time portals, crossing generational boundaries and bearing witness to past eras. From historical artifacts to contemporary works, each toy tells a story, revealing the timeless connections between generations and the crucial role of the toy collector in this cultural transmission.

In the Transaction section, dive into the complex world of exchange and ownership. Explore how certain toys create bridges between childhood and adulthood, while reflecting on the economic dynamics that underpin the toy industry.

Continue your journey in the Control section, where toys reveal their unsuspected potential as propaganda and conditioning tools. Question the social norms and ideologies conveyed by these everyday objects through the works of committed artists.

Then explore the relationship between toys and Violence in the section dedicated to Conflict. From toy soldiers to toy guns, learn how toys were used to prepare children for war, while admiring the provocative works of artists who transform violent experiences into impactful messages.

Continue your journey in the Resources section, where the debate on the use of natural materials in toy production comes to life. Explore the evolution of technology, from wood and metal to plastic, while reflecting on the ecological issues linked to this evolution.

In the Interaction section, awaken your senses through fun and interactive devices that immerse you in the heart of the world of toys. Explore, experiment and give free rein to your creativity in this space of wonder.

Finally, end your journey in the Reflection section, where the themes discussed throughout the exhibition take on their full meaning. Engage in a discussion on the major societal, cultural and environmental issues linked to the world of toys, and leave with a new perspective on these emblematic objects of our childhood.

Through these eight thematic sections, the Rayon Toys exhibition invites you to immerse yourself in a captivating journey to the heart of the history, culture and reflection around the fascinating world of toys. So, ready to discover this treasure of the imagination?