So I will be completely honest, I wanted to go to the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum. Yes, me, a grown adult, with no children in tow, just me and my love for quirky, niche museums. No invisible kids, no excuses. I was so excited to finally check it out. After a long ferry ride from Stehekin and a not-so-long drive from Chelan to Leavenworth, I thought we had made it just in time to sneak in before closing. Sadly, I found out the hard way that the museum stops selling tickets 30 minutes before closing (noted on the website - oops) and we arrived five minutes too late. I was disappointed but it just wasn't meant to be. What was meant to be, however, was the gift shop. And let me tell you - this is not your average souvenir shop! It's more like a mini preview of the museum as there were hundreds of nutcrackers on display for purchase and/or admiration. There were traditional German nutcrackers, themed ones (sports, professions, holidays), and even some that were so cute and whimsical. I spent a little time marveling at the variety and craftsmanship. Soooo yes, I got my nutcracker fix even without a ticket to the full museum! From what I could see (and from their website), this place has over 9,000 nutcrackers from more than 50 countries with artifacts dating all the way back to the Roman Empire. It's the kind of collection rarely found in the United States and the museum's mission to preserve and educate about the history and artistry of nutcrackers is honestly so cool. If I'm ever in Leavenworth again, I would try to time it better to try to actually visit the museum. For now, I'm giving a solid four stars because while I didn't get to explore the full museum, the sheer delight of the gift shop, the ambiance, and the nutcracker overload still made it a great stop. Another unique gem tucked in the heart of this Bavarian town, errr, Leavenworth! read more

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Tourist attraction in the town of Leavenworth, WA, the Nutcracker Museum has a large selection of nutcrackers both for viewing (in the museum) and for purchase (in the gift shop). The museum requires admission ($5 per adult, free for active military family), On the day we went, there was a table of donated nutcrackers being sold for $5 (compared to the $100+ for new imported ones), which attracted our attention (and our dollars). read more

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This place is amazing and so much fun to visit and enjoy the nutcrackers. It's a great history of the nutcracker and includes many you have never seen before. It's great for kids young and old and it's got so many different and beautiful nutcrackers covering the ones you know from the ballet to characters from Firemen to clowns. Go spend an hour or more browsing then he'd into the gift shop and pick up your own nutcracker for home. read more

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On a great holiday trip to Leavenworth my daughter wanted to go into the Nutcracker Museum. I would have skipped it if she hadn't wanted to go. It would have been a shame. It's five bucks to see everything but that's probably the cheapest thing in Leavenworth. Lol. I was actually super fascinated with the history of nutcrackers and all the different types and varieties of nutcrackers. There was a great video that showed you how they make the nutcrackers and that was really informative. Then you wander around and you see all of these nutcrackers on display and pictures of the men that created them like hundreds of years ago. It was really cool and whether you're into Nutcrackers or not for five bucks, you should go check it out. read more

Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum - Museums Near Me - Leavenworth, Washington

So adorable. 5 stars because it's priced great (especially for families), has a ton of variety, and is actually very cute. Very happy we stopped by. They do have a lot of vintage and collector nutcrackers in glass cases so just keep that in mind for kiddos! read more

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Wow! I had no idea there were so many types and varieties of nutcrackers! This is definitely worth a visit and absolutely worth the fee. There are two floors of nutcrackers. They are organized a few different ways. There is a lot more history to the nutcrackers as well, not just on the evolution of nutcrackers, but how many of the nutcracker designs reflected history. Then for whatever other interests you have, from Disney to Harry Potter to holidays, there is likely a set of nutcrackers to reflect that. Plan to spend some time here, we were there for about an hour and could have spent more time. read more

Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum - Nutcrackers - Museums Near Me - Leavenworth, Washington

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Great depiction of the history of nutcrackers. The movie explains why there are German military and American military nutcrackers. If you are biased against history or nutcrackers, you don't want to go here. It is very offensive for people to want to erase history. This museum shows why there are so many types of nutcrackers. After WWII, Germany changed the nutcrackers for export. This museum has nutcrackers from over 44 countries. It even shows original nutcrackers and counterfeits. This is a great place to educate your family on the history of nutcrackers around the world. read more

Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum - Sign - Museums Near Me - Leavenworth, Washington

A cute museum where you will learn the history of the nutcracker. Entry fees are fair. You can begin with a small video information. Then you have 3 floors of various nutcrackers. You will leave with a vast knowledge of the nutcracker history and your friends will be quite impressed next time you see them. Before you leave the shop has so many cute souvenirs from all over the world. Children are allowed but be cautious. This is a museum not a hands on place. read more

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We were trying to stay indoors as much as possible as it was a 98 degree day in Leavenworth. We love museums, especially different ones.. like not your normal museum. It was only a $5 entry fee for adults and there are over 7,000 nutcrackers on display on two floors. There's even an old bronze one from Roman times that could date back as far as 200 B.C. We spent an hour or so admiring this collection, but if you're really into nutcrackers you could spend a considerable amount of time as there is a lot to see. The women at the counter were super nice and helpful. We enjoyed our visit read more

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Are you kidding me? $5.00 to see a bunch of nutcrackers... Well if you are even remotely interested in Nutcrackers this is the place for you. Thousands of Nutcrackers, new and modern, not just the figural ones either, metal, wood, stone, all kinds, great way to spend an hour or so, lots to look at and enjoy, gift shop has some to buy if you want to add to your collection. Highly recommended read more

It's a fun museum and they have a lot of unique, high quality nutcrackers and incense burning smoking figurines called "german smokers". They sell nutcrackers from small to full size (that actually crack nuts without breaking). This place is one of the most unique in town and such a good selection of truly German handcrafts. read more

Such an eye-catching sign. Another Leavenworth attraction! We were rushed for time and didn't get to view but looked interesting. When the weather is cold this would be nice to kill time and stay warm or beat the heat when it gets hot. MUSEUM ADMISSION Adults - $5.00 Seniors - $3.50 65+ Youth - $2.00 6-16yrs Children - FREE Active Military - FREE read more

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One of the few attractions in Leavenworth that I haven't been to was the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum. I don't have a big interest in nutcrackers (or any, really) but I might as well make a visit. Entrance fees are as followed (as of October 2022): - Adults 17-64 ($5) - Seniors 65+ ($3.50) - Youth 6-16 ($2) - Child 5 & under (free) - Active military including spouse and children (free) The first part of the museum was a short video on the process of making a nutcracker. The museum in total has over 7,000 nutcrackers and there were a large variety including but not limited to sports teams, historical figures, and pop culture references like Disney and Star Wars. Many of them were donations from other collectors and all of them took up two whole floors. It's a kid-friendly place with scavenger hunts available for certain nutcrackers. We spent about 30 minutes here. It was not our cup of tea but it was something for us to pass the time. There is also a gift shop if you want your own nutcracker as a souvenir. read more

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Such an interesting museum. They have thousands of nutcrackers. Even if you don't think you would be interested, I suggest going. It is only five dollars to go in. It can take about 30 minutes or more if you like nutcrackers. I liked learning the history behind the nutcrackers. They do have a video you can watch included in your entrance fee. You can go into the gift shop without going into the museum. It is located on the main strip in Leavenworth. read more

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the smartest business in the entire county. $5 for all this? WOW! Wait, there's a SECOND FLOOR? They don't fleece you for the ticket, and there's more here than you'd ever imagine. The Roman and Native nutcrackers dating back thousands of years were just... yeah, I got my $5 worth. Do it. Just don't be loud and keep your kids under control. read more

Such an interesting museum and the entry fee it's a small fee of $5 for adults . It takes around 30 mins or so but it's definitely a way to learn a little bit about Leavenworth and the nutcrackers ! There is two floors and you will find all type of nutcrackers from the 1600's till today . They last year the whole the record of the largest collection, that's how many nutcrackers they have. Great way to past the time and see something different. read more

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My family and I aren't huge nutcracker fanatics, but we were in town during the holiday time and added this on our list of places to check out. We were greeted upon entering and the staff gave us a little rundown of what to expect. My kids were given a scavenger hunt to do which kept them engaged and it was very easy for them to understand. I really appreciated this because this helped them stay busy, but also have a good time. All of the nutcrackers were very unique and cool to see. The museum is small, but 2 floors and we spent around 30-40 minutes here. If you're in the area and looking for something to do it's worth checking out! read more

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So many nutcrackers! If you are a fan of them, then this is the place for you. You really could spend quite a long time here because there is lots to learn and read about above and beyond just looking at all the different nutcrackers. read more

For a small fee of only five dollars you get to look at literally thousands of nutcrackers. It's quite a collection! The lady who helped us at the front desk was lovely and they have a cute little gift shop if you want a nutcracker to take home. read more

Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum - Van Gogh nutcracker - Museums Near Me - Leavenworth, Washington

Yes, this place is nutty; let's get that out of the way, right off the bat! But it's the good kind of nutty - it's a long, weird stride away from the monotony of the everyday world. It's quirky, it's charming, and there's no chance you are going to forget about your experience here. I couldn't tell you how many nutcrackers are here; several thousand to be sure (my brain keeps yelling "over 7000", but I'm not sure if I'm regurgitating a fact I read at the museum, or just plucking a number from the ether), but the exact count doesn't matter. The variety of nutcrackers on display here originate from countries all over the world, and span the centuries from the modern to the ancient. There are treasures hidden all throughout, but you have to look for them. The truly special and unique pieces are labeled with informative cards that specify the age, country of origin, and donor (if applicable). It is doubtful that any of us will ever truly appreciate this museum in the same way the owners do: the snapshot of a shared culinary and cultural umbrella, under which the whole of humanity gathers to share the love of this simple fruit (yes, nuts are a fruit...I know, I am just as surprised as you are!) with its myriad forms. There's a larger message to be parsed here, but its truth is obscured by a hard shell of weirdness that surrounds the culture of the nutcracker, and this bizarre museum that encapsulates and enshrines it. One might say, it's a tough nut to crack! Enjoy it, revel in it. Embrace the weird! read more

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I called the museum to ask for advice for restoring my Grandmother's nutcracker as the rabbit hair and beard were gone. The woman answered my question with -go to the craft store. I then asked for advice on how to remove the strip of hide that is on the head of my nutcracker without ruining the finish, and she rudely told me "There are 600 people in here and I don't have time to talk to you.", and then she hung up on me. I asked 2 questions total- the call literally lasted 1 minute according to my phone. I'm flabbergasted at this woman's unprofessionalism, especially someone in a specialty field. As a person that was willing to make a 3 hour trip to Leavenworth to have my nutcracker professionally restored if it were an option, I was not prepared to be treated like a pest, especially by someone who I assume shares a love of nutcrackers. Sad. read more

Went there thinking it was free, but only the very front small portion is free - the rest has an admission fee. Nothing spectacular. Not sure what the "differences between the free and paid sections would be. read more

It was cute to visit here with my kids who love the nutcracker. Don't expect anything extravagant, but it's definitely worth the experience if you're in Leavenworth! read more

Just floored with how many nutcrackers there are here. Insane. 2 floors of nutcrackers and they are truly amazing. You pay a small fee to enter but you know what, it was worth it. The nutcrackers in there are amazing for sure. If you took your time, you could spend a good 30-45 minutes in there. Easy. If you just wanted to browse, 10-15 tops. read more

Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum - The force!!!! - Museums Near Me - Leavenworth, Washington

Very unique museum, so many collections, by themes, country, types its must visit if you are there! Also has a show about how its made.

This place is adorably quirky and should be a must-stop if you just so happen to be in Leavenworth. In the age of COVID-19, they're taking all the precautions. They limit the amount of people that can enter the museum, there's hand sanitizing stations all over, and it's spread out enough so that it's easy to social distance. Even if you're not a fan of nutcrackers, it's a cool experience. They have over 7,000 different ones and they're grouped by theme, historical event, and even time periods making it super easy to navigate. For the kiddos, they're given a clipboard and paper to do a self-guided scavenger hunt which I thought was clever. Keeps them occupied while the adults can browse at a different pace. Depending on how fast you look, you can easily get in and out within 20-minutes, if you actually take the time to absorb all that's presented to you, you can easily spend an hour or more, especially if you watch the video at the beginning. Admission is cheap at only $5 per adult, and it's a non-profit, making it even more of a reason to spend your money there. The staff were beyond friendly and knowledgeable and are happy to answer any questions you might have along the way! read more

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A decent place to visit and spend some time learning about nutcrackers (of all types) and it's not expensive to visit. As some have said, it's not really a museum, but more a collection. For those who seem to be offended by a few of the items, really, get a grip. History is important to remember and really the only thing I would have them change is the label Black History Month. That is definitely tone deaf. Otherwise, be prepared to see 1000's of different toy nutcrackers, as well has some other historical nut cracking implements. There is a scavenger hunt for the kids to find different ones (eg one flying a kite, didn't find that one). A good activity for both old and young. read more

Maybe you are like us and I suspect many people and you walk in and say 'do I really need a nutcracker museum?" Maybe you think nutcrackers are creepy (I do, my spouse does) and the museum will be stodgy and dusty. Ya'll pay the 5 bucks and get in there. It is more than a good value. It could be said this museum is as much about our love of nuts -- over the centuries and across the globe - as it is about nutcrackers. We learned so much. It really was a journey through time and multiple cultures - you will have no idea until you check it out - so check it out! It's better than the store. Just spend your money here. It was so fun to see the variety of nutcrackers and other implements for enjoying nuts. It's not just a European thing. (And btw after this you will understand why the burgher meister looks like he does in those old stop-motion animated Christmas shows.) I'm not 100% sure kids will enjoy it as much as adults - the walking space is tight and the displays are so packed you have to look closely and take your time. But there are some great moments and photo ops for kids such as when you see the giant mouse king from the famous Nutcracker ballet. Go if you can! read more

Not the biggest fan of nutcrackers, but figured we would check it while we were there. Holy nutcracker.... over 7,000. It was overwhelming. It was cool to learn the history and appreciate all the collectors. There is a nutcracker for everyone and everything! I enjoyed looking at the sets downstairs. For us, it was a nice place to enjoy AC on an extremely hot day for 30 minutes. We also learned that nutcrackers are extremely expensive if they are the legit ones. But it is $5 to visit them. read more

Great museum with lots of information about nutcrackers from all over. The museum was bigger than I thought it would be with lots of beautifully carved nutcrackers. Kind if in chronological order as well as separated by theme. The building is two stories and there's also a mini theater and gift shop included. There are some displays that have a 'no photographs please' sign, which could upset some. Overall highly recommend this place! read more

Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum - Santa nutcrackers from all over the world! - Museums Near Me - Leavenworth, Washington

Fun little museum to visit. They have a scavenger hunt based on age- for kids. But the one given to my teens....I have to say that we were in there awhile trying to find all the nutcrackers. And there are A LOT of them...small, big, medium, childsize....and in every imaginable fun form and some kinda creepy. Overall, we had a nice time and was surprised as to how long we were actually in the museum. There is an entrance fee, but it was nominal and worth it. read more

We were excited to see the Nutcracker Museum but there was a lot of truly racist content in it (Nutcracker blackface, racial stereotypes of indigenous people, Nazis, confederate flags, etc) that was completely inappropriate, especially in a museum that kids and families are frequenting. It's 2024. We should know better. I wish we hadn't given money to this place. read more

This place is located in downtown Leavenworth next to the Highway 2. Admissions is $5 and they are open 365 days a year. The museum is of modest size, with all displays spread across one floor, about the size of a single family home. I was rather surprised at the sheer number of different nutcrackers on display. They had everything spanning back to the dawn of civilization. The displays were very dense and compact. Unfortunately, there were not too many labels detailing each of the nutcrackers. read more

Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum - Museums Near Me - Leavenworth, Washington

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Kinda hokey, kinda kitschy, but kinda fun too. $5 adult admission - there's an optional 17 minute "history of nutcrackers" you can watch if you'd like. I loved the US Air Force and police officer nutcrackers best - vocations near and dear to my heart! The place is only open from 1pm-5pm daily - and it was freezing cold inside. Unlike all other establishments we visited on Front Street, The Nutcracker Museum doesn't seem to want to turn on any heat whatsoever. I'm sure that's not an issue in the summer, but on a March day with a 40 degree outside temp, it makes you want to rush through and get out (hmmm.... is there a method to their madness?) read more

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I think it's over priced, I would not do it again, I saw pretty much everything within 6 minutes as it was not my thing. If you like nutcrackers you would love it. They are friendly read more

If you blink, you may miss this museum. I would call this more of a collection than a museum. There's a small signage hanging above. When you go in the door, you go up a narrow hall of stairs as it's located upstairs. There is a $5 entrance fee for adults, which was worth paying. I love nutcrackers! There was an area with seating where you can watch a 17 minute video on the history of nutcrackers. There are display cabinets upon display cabinets of varying nutcrackers throughout history from varying countries -- some looked like metal finger torture devices to other whimsical character ones. My Sweetie and I spent a couple hours perusing the varying nutcrackers as we can appreciate them and were totally geeking out over them. I can see where others walked quickly by and were disinterested so you reallyhave to appreciate them for what they are. There is a scavenger hunt available, which makes it mroe interestinf and fun for the young ones or young at heart. There's also a small gift shop. I do advise coming here as soon as they open, which is at 1pm most days. Otherwise, it does get packed and there isn't much space between the hall of cabinets. read more

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I've been to Leavenworth a few times, but during my last visit, I ran across the Nutcracker Museum which was a very interesting space and a nice break from the crowds. You enter through the store and there is a separate counter/entrance for the museum. At first, it looks small but the place is larger than one thinks especially with a second floor. There is a small room with a video playing that's easy to miss but other than that, you will find just about every conceivable nutcracker here, from traditional to modern pop culture (Baby Yoda?). There is a small admission fee, and that could also be waived if you buy enough from the store. The employees at the store and museum are super nice and it's a very unique place that seems just perfect in the heart of Leavenworth. read more

Definitely a unique experience in Leavenworth that I would recommend for those who've never been, particularly around the Christmas holiday. While small in scale as far as overall size, don't be fooled, as the sheer collection of nutcrackers here is astounding. There is a large spectrum spanning from many hundreds of years ago to contemporary period. Take 10 min or so and attentively watch the video at the front. Quite informative and helps to provide some pertinent background as you translate over to the displays. Don't miss this place but plan on spending about an hour, then you'll be done and ready to move to your next activity/destination. read more

Such a fun experience for anyone who enjoys nutcrackers. I highly recommend the history video. It helps to appreciate the art much more! We appreciated that military and family were free to visit. read more

Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum - Museums Near Me - Leavenworth, Washington

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My first issue - less a concern - is that this is not a museum. A museum is place that curates its materials and provides interpretation. Museums, in other words, teach us something new or re-frame our understanding of art, history, or the topic it addresses. The Nutcracker "Museum" is not a museum but a collection. The nutcrackers are grouped thematically and very little history or interpretation is provided. Be aware that you are paying a nominal fee to look at someone's overgrown collection, not to visit a museum. My other issue, which I feel is a significant concern, are several racist / Anti-semitic displays. I find the "Black History Month" display offensive. It is unconscionable in the 21st century to represent black people with mammy and minstrel images. Some of the nutcrackers appear to be in black face. That there is no interpretation to discuss the bigotry these nutcrackers represent is doubly offensive. In a separate display of metallic nutcrackers, I found a head with a long beard, a hooked nose, and a skull cap. This strikes me as deeply anti-Semitic and again, the lack of interpretation or explanation (or apology!) is concerning. While I know most reviewers have gushed about how unique and interesting this spot is, I would caution possible visitors to know what they are getting in to. read more

Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum - "Black History" display - Museums Near Me - Leavenworth, Washington

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