The Casa Zapata Museum Center is changing its look and donning the colors of Christmas. The occasion is the inauguration of the exhibition "Christmas at the Museum" next Friday, December 19th (starting at 4:30 pm), a journey through time among the toys of the "Fontana Collection."
The event is sponsored by the Sardinia Region, promoted by the Municipality of Barumini with the Barumini Sistema Cultura Foundation, and made possible thanks to the generosity of Antonella Fontana, a renowned collector from Cagliari, who passionately supported the project, offering a portion of her valuable collection of vintage dolls and toys, along with her expertise in the field.
The exhibition, which will be open until February 28, 2026, is set inside the historic Zapata Palace, creating an original yet harmonious alternative to the archaeological tour and offering visitors a broad overview of the world of toys between the late eighteenth and mid-twentieth centuries.
"This toy collection was created to realize Nella Crestetto's great dream of opening a Toy Museum," Antonella Fontana emphasizes. "It was an idea she never got to realize, but one I strongly desired to bring to life, because Nella herself had inspired me to share her passion, influencing me and transforming it into my own. Today, finally, this journey comes to life in the splendid location of Casa Zapata. It's a collection of approximately four thousand pieces, including Sardinian toys alongside pieces from around the world, dating from the mid-18th to the 20th century," she adds. "Toys are part of all of our lives, and the more worn they are, the more beautiful they exude, because it means they've been used, loved, and have fully served their purpose. Among the pieces on display are truly rare, such as the 28 Grodnertal dolls: ancient and precious objects that I hope can be admired by everyone in their extraordinary beauty."
The exhibition will feature, among other items, dolls, rocking horses, carousels and puppet theaters, kitchens, miniature houses, books, and more. These items are of European origin and were originally gifts for children of high social standing, but they also tell the story of dreams shared by children throughout the world, for whom play is the fundamental foundation for preparing for life.
"Exhibitions like this are very important, not only for their undoubted cultural and educational contribution, but also because they highlight the museum's potential and the value of continually offering new perspectives on the world, whether it's more or less distant from us," emphasizes Caterina Lilliu, curator of the Casa Zapata museum.
The narrative is enriched with period photos and videos, and thematic panels that highlight some of the key themes inherent in the history of toys and their relationship with children: such as gift-giving and Christmas, the differences between boys' and girls' play, the early assignment of roles based on gender or social status, and the characteristics of the market behind these types of products. In short, a story that will engage both children and adults, especially as the magical atmosphere of Christmas approaches.
