PLAYMOBIL Exhibition “Spring Magic” — Schloss Salder Museum

An Artist and His Material

Diorama artist Oliver Schaffer has made a name for himself in recent years with his large-format PLAYMOBIL productions, far beyond the collector scene. His exhibitions combine intergenerational nostalgia with meticulous attention to detail: every figure is placed, every backdrop staged with lighting and scenery, every scene tells a small story. For 2026, he has transformed Schloss Salder with the theme “Spring Magic” – a collection of farm scenes, meadows with animals, market stalls, school trips, a Volksfest (popular festival), and a very special highlight.

Highlight: Circus Romani

At its center is the recreated Circus Romani from 1991 – a classic from PLAYMOBIL history, built in impressive scale with original figures and accessories. The diorama features:

• High-wire artists above the ring
• Aerialists on the trapeze
• Acrobats on horseback
• Clowns in lovingly decorated caravans
• Animal trainers with wild animals
• Audience in the stands, from the ice cream vendor to a family with balloons
• Lighting effects with spotlights and animated sound

Other Scenes

In addition, smaller dioramas showcase farm scenes with chickens, pigs, horses, and harvesters, a spring market with flower stalls and market booths, a school class on a field trip, a May Day parade with a brass band, and a spring festival with a carousel and swings.

Extended Due to Success

Originally planned for just a few weeks, the exhibition has been extended multiple times. As of May 2026, over 20,000 visitors have been counted; the final date has been set for June 7, 2026. The museum expects more school classes, kindergarten groups, and families from the entire Braunschweig–Hannover–Hildesheim region by then.