“Almost everything for sale the boss wouldn’t let us put a price tag on him.” This inscription on a plaque right here before us tells a poignant story. This isn’t just any plaque. This is the Hospital del Jueguete plaque a memorial to a unique Madrid institution.
For over six decades this building housed a magical workshop. The Hospital del Juguete wasn’t a place for sick children. Instead it was a haven for broken toys. A 70-year-old man Antonio Martinez Rivas ran it. He was a master toy repairman carrying on a family tradition started by his father in 1945.
Initially the shop sold handmade toys. But as plastic toys flooded the market in the 1950s and 60s the focus shifted to repairs. Antonio inherited the workshop in the 1970s. He worked tirelessly alone. He faced the challenges of changing times. Video games threatened traditional toys. Yet his Hospital del Juguete thrived.
People came from all over Spain. Customers even traveled from France the UK Portugal and even Uruguay. They brought cherished toys needing mending. More than just repairs Antonio offered a service preserving memories. Many customers were adults nostalgic for toys from their childhoods. Some requested that repairs remain minimal. They valued the “toy’s essence” the wear and tear reflecting years of love.
Antonio’s expertise wasn’t taught in school. He mastered woodworking arts and crafts clockmaking mechanics and electrics all through years of hands-on experience. He learned from his father starting when he was just 12 years old. The plaque commemorates his dedication and skill. It honors his unique contribution to Madrid’s culture. It reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and preserving the joy of childhood.
Sadly the Hospital del Juguete closed in December 2022. Antonio’s health forced retirement. He also lacked a successor to continue the legacy. His shop was more than a business. It was a beloved community institution. The plaque serves as a reminder of his skill and the importance of keeping memories alive. So next time you see a broken toy remember the magic of the Hospital del Jueguete. This plaque is a testament to a man a craft and the power of nostalgia.