Mechanical showpieces have been popular attractions for both old and young audiences since the 17th century. In 1910, the designer Albert Schlopsnies created “The Circus”, which was a huge success in Berlin, when it was displayed in the shop windows of the department store Wertheim.

Further large showpieces followed, showing everyday events in original scenarios, which fascinated a broad audience. Mechanical showpieces are great attractions even today at trade fairs and world exhibitions.

There are eight original Steiff showpieces on display at the Doll’s House Museum in Basel: “Villa Flora”, “Smithy”, “Poster Artists”, “Hobby Film Producers”, “Scissor Grinder”, “Caravan”, “Guesthouse Hollow Tree”, and “Test Laboratory”. These showpieces, which have been lovingly created with much attention given to elaborate detail, attract the visitor to stay longer and see more.