[2] The collection was originally the work of Patrick Murray (1908–1981), an Edinburgh Councillor and passionate collector of toys and childhood memorabilia.

[5] In 2017, the museum underwent a major refurbishment, including the installation of new display cabinets and lighting for exhibits.

The refurbishment also saw the installation of a new digital photo gallery, which offers a look at the changing way children grew up across the 20th century.

[3][5] Highlights include a teddy bear brought to the UK by a child on the Kindertransport, a dollhouse with working lighting and plumbing systems, a Queen Anne doll from 1740,[2] and a copy of handmade booklet The Life History of a Slum Child by Lileen Hardy.

[6] The collection also includes one of the Scottish Government's baby boxes, a maternity package offered to all new parents in Scotland.