OUTERSPACE
Museum Level 5
The technological innovations of the present are born out of the vast imaginations of humanity. As portrayed in a variety of toys, astronauts, robots, rockets and aliens are not just mere playthings of the 20th Century. They symbolise humanity’s exploration of possibilities in pursuit for technological modernity. The possibilities of space travel and artificial intelligence were thought of as radical ideas in the past. However, these ‘radical’ imaginations have progress into brilliant innovations which we heavily depend on in our daily lives today.
LOOK OUT FOR THESE TOYS AT THE MUSEUM
ROBBY ROBOT
Curated under the Theme of: Beginnings of Robota
This is a Yonezawa wind-up toy of a spaceman, wearing a space suit based on Robby the Robot – a fictional character and science fiction icon who first appeared in the 1956 film Forbidden Planet.
The story centers on a crew of space explorers from Earth who landed their starship on a planet ruled by a mysterious man named Dr.Morbius. Robby is a mechanical servant designed, built and programmed using knowledge gleaned from Morbius’ study of Krell. He exhibits artificial intelligence with a distinct personality that exhibits a dry wit.
MAKER: YONEZAWA TOYS
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: JAPAN
YEAR OF MAKE: 1958
MOON ROCKET XM-12
Curated under the Theme of: Space Craze
The Moon Rocket XM-12 is one of the most desirable battery operated rocket toy built in the year 1956 by Yonezawa in Japan.
It has a few uncommon features not found in other space toys such as a special hatch in the nose section of the rocket which can be opened to replace a bulb!
At the rear end where the engine is located, there is also a hatch that can be open to replace the engine lights.
MAKER: YONEZAWA TOYS
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: JAPAN
YEAR OF MAKE: 1950s
BUCK ROGERS
Curated under the Theme of: Outerspace in Pop Culture
From a set of 6 die-cast toy figures with articulated arms, this is a figurine of the cult classic science fiction character known as ‘Buck Rogers’.
The character first appeared in the August 1928 issue of the pulp magazine Amazing Stories as the central character, portraying a role of a veteran of World War One.
The stories and adventures of Buck Rogers has been credited for bringing into popular media the concept of space exploration and this popular phenomenon paralleled the development of space technology in the 20th century.