blair museum of lithophanes

This teeny tiny museum (if another party is there you won't fit) is located on the grounds of the Toledo Botanical Garden. I always like to do something different but my family was not enthused when I announced we were going there "(Oh great, a nightlight museum" was one less than excited comment). However, everybody ended up having a great time. The little kids (6 & 3) had fun flicking the lights on and off to make the pictures appear (this is encouraged). The eldest (10) enjoyed looking for the images of famous people and places (of which there are many). The adults all enjoyed this unique art form. Although I loved some of the older pieces, the modern ones were particularly interesting to me. They also have a wall of nightlights for sale (all of them were in the $20 to $30 range). The visit to the museum starts with a tour. Ours was very brief and had several docents chiming in so at first it was a bit hard to follow, which is the only reason I didn't rate this place a 5. We wouldn't hesitate to visit again if we happened to be at the Botanical Garden but we probably wouldn't make a special trip out as they said that they very rarely switch out the exhibits.

This little museum is packed with fascinating lithophanes. I'd never seen or heard of them before visiting, but they are beautiful and unique. The world class collection housed here is well-organized and attractively displayed. There is an introductory video and volunteer docents conduct tours and answer questions. Well worth a visit if you are in or near Toledo on a summer/fall weekend.

Lithophanes are sure to impress anyone interested in the Victorian Arts. This museum has limited hours so make sure to plan a visit between the months of May and October.

This museum houses a one time private collection of beautiful lithophanes. I doubt there is another like it. Beautiful! Located at Toledo Botanical Gardens which is a treasure in itself

I had heard of the Blair Museum, but knew nothing of lithophanes. The really are beautiful. Located in a wonderful park too.

My family and i recently visited this very fascinating exhibit. It we very cool, in the words of a 14 year old. The detail in the art was hands down the most beautiful. So impressed with the staff as well. They tour you through and explain it all to you. You can leave a donation of you want but otherwise it's free!

I lived about a block away for 25 years... and never knew this existed. Wonderful exhibit and very knowledgeable guides. A great way to spend an hour or so.

The Blair Museum is the largest collection of lithophanes in the world! Who knew? Open on weekends from 1 - 4 PM in the warm months, it is a true learning experience. With about 500 lithophanes on view, it chronicles a time when post cards weren't available. Thin porcelain pieces that come alive when light is shown through them, they are astounding. The docents were extremely knowledgeable, and there even is a small gift shop. Best of all, it's free.

If this museum were in New York, it would be mobbed with people looking for something out of the ordinary. Google "Lithophanes" and learn a little about this art form and then go see them in person.

It's not open very often, but the collection held within is truly a treat for one's eyes! The docents are very knowledgeable and they've done a great job of organizing the collection for visitors to enjoy. Groups are accommodated if you call ahead. This museum is on the ground of the lovely Toledo Botanical Garden. The garden ground have no admission charge. A gift shop is scheduled to open in May 2012.

While some friend and I were attending a Christmas event at the Toledo Botanical Gardens, we took the time to visit the Blair Museum of Lithophanes. It was well worth the time. The exhibit is staffed by very well educated volunteers who provide an overview of how lithophanes are made and were available on the self-guided tour to answer questions. A guided tour is also available. The extensive collection is beautiful and includes very unique pieces such as lamp shades, church windows as well as hundreds of lithophane pictures.

Really interesting place!! The staff are helpful and knowledgeable. The place is kind of hard to find. We ended up wandering around looking for the building because we parked far away. Bring the phone number, you might need to call for directions. We did and we still got somewhat lost. It was really worth it when we finally found it!

Both the museum, and the Toledo Botanical Gardens are FREE to visit! The Gardens and this Museum make the trip doubly worth it! I am told that this is the worlds only lithophanes museum. This is a great way to spend time!Parking is free, admission is free except for special events.

Who would think Toledo, Ohio, would have the only museum dedicated to lithophanes in the world?This museum, located in a small house on the property of the Toledo Botanical Gardens, is filled with more than 2,300 antique lithophanes. Lithophanes is derived from the words "litho" meaning "stone" and "phane" meaning light. Basically, they are intricate porcelain castings that are lit from behind to reveal the image cast into the stone.You can't really see this large of a collection anywhere else in the world!The museum gives tours May-September from 1-4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, which other days/times by appointment. The tour is free, with donations encouraged.You start the tour in the main room of the house, watching a short video about lithophanes and Laurel Blair, the man whose personal collection is now the museum's holdings. The guide then takes you into the first room to explain what a lithophane is and show the process of making one.From there, it's a magical experience, as you walk into each room and the tour guide flips the switches to suddenly reveal dazzling images in the lithophanes. There's everything from the Effiel Tower to Abraham Lincoln and from religious imagery to nursery tales.Of special note is a recently acquired 3-D model of a Greek temple with a tiny lithophane inside, the largest known lithophane (an image of Mount Vesuvias erupting) and the largest simple-cast lithophane lamp shade (which features hunting imagery).The tour lasts about 30-45 minutes, depending how many questions you want to ask and the tour guide you get. The place is staffed by a sweet group of older ladies who all take such joy in sharing lithophanes. We had the niece of Laurel Blair when we went through, and she was such a delight, sharing all her stories about growing up with lithophanes and starting the museum.I can't recommend this museum enough to people who live in the Toledo area and to those who come to Toledo for a visit. The only down part is that they don't have more space -- they said they only have a fraction of the lithophanes out for display. I can only imagine what other near things are hidden away.