A journey into the world of wooden toys in Ortisei
A visit to the Museum Gherdëina in Ortisei will take you to the heart of an art that bridges past and present, where the craftsmanship of local wood artisans continues to amaze visitors. An unforgettable experience for both children and adults, through objects that seem to have a soul of their own: toys.
A voyage through playful and artisanal tradition
In Val Gardena, every wooden toy tells a centuries-old story of tradition, craftsmanship, and creativity. At the Museum Gherdëina, families can immerse themselves in a fascinating world where craftsmanship becomes art.
During the exhibition, both childs and adults will discover the secrets of a tradition that originated in the 17th century, when the valley’s long winters inspired local artisans to craft these small masterpieces.
From selecting the perfect wood to detailed carving, every step of the production process is told with passion, showing how these toys have conquered the world and brought the name of Val Gardena far and wide.
The museum's collection, inaugurated in 1940, offers a remarkable variety of traditional toys, once among the region’s most exported goods. Here, you can admire unique pieces that not only tell the story of play but also bear witness to a vibrant artistic culture that continues to inspire generations.
Sevi Wooden Toy Exhibition at Museum Gherdëina
The history of Val Gardena is closely intertwined with that of the famous Sevi wooden toys, known worldwide. In many homes across Val Gardena – and far beyond – Sevi products have brightened the childhood of entire generations, narrating a story of passion, craftsmanship, and creativity.
In 2023, the Senoner Vastlé family donated the complete archive of Sevi collection models to the Museum Gherdëina — an extraordinary collection of 8,000 pieces crafted between the 1930s and the 1990s.
A collection that tells a story
Starting from Christmas 2025, a fascinating selection of these toys will be on display at the Museum Gherdëina, through an exhibition designed to touch the hearts of both young and adults.
The exhibition will narrate the evolution of Sevi toys, rekindling memories tied to these timeless creations and showcasing how Val Gardena’s craftsmanship conquered the hearts of people around the world.
The undisputed symbol of the exhibition will be Pinocchio, the beloved character who has always accompanied Sevi’s story and embodies the playful, affectionate spirit of these magical toys.
This will not be just an exhibition to admire: it will invite everyone – children, teenagers, and adults alike – to play, rediscovering the authentic pleasure of imagination, dreams, and handcrafted wooden toys.
A perfect opportunity to experience joyful moments as a family, immersing yourselves in the enchanted atmosphere of Val Gardena and the timeless magic of traditional toys.
Don't miss this journey through a unique piece of South Tyrolean history that continues to inspire the world!