In the Toy Gallery. Libuše Niklová (1934-1981), designer de jouets
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs’ Toy Gallery is showing a retrospective of the work of the Czech designer Libuše Niklová (1934–1981), famous in her own country for creating toys as familiar as Sophie Giraffe is elsewhere. From the 1950s to the 1980s, Niklová created figurines and animals with gentle, simplified forms, including her rubber doctor, astronaut and chimney sweep and inflatable plastic buffalo, giraffe and elephant. She preferred lively, cheerful subjects that she could stylise to varying extents using contrasting colours and optical effects. In 1963, she had the brilliant idea of using flexible pleated piping that squeals when pressed. The result was her “accordion” toys: a cat, dog, goat and lion that can be taken apart and reassembled like a construction game. Throughout her career, Niklová designed toys to both play and create with.

Musée des Arts Décoratifs - 107 rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris - tél. : 01 44 55 57 50
Disabled access to museum via lift at 105, rue de Rivoli.
Opening hours :
Tuesdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays.
Closed on Mondays.
Full price : 9 € / Concession : 7,5 €

Photo : Tomcat, 1963 - Czech Republic, Fatra (since 1935), producer
Hand-painted polyethylene,
Paris, Les Arts Décoratifs, inv. 2010.65.1