Shubhyatra >> Delhi Yatra >>International Dolls Museum


INTERNATIONAL DOLLS MUSEUM

Location : Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
Set Up By : K.Shankar Pillai in 1965
Major Attractions : A collection of 6,000 dolls from over 85 countries
Timing: 10am to 5.30pm

Let The Child In You Come Out And Play

International Dolls Museum, Delhi
International Dolls Museum, Delhi

We all have a child within ourself. And we all dream of a place, where we are free to listen to our heart and bring the child out. Soaring above the bustling Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Shankar's International Dolls Museum has made the long cherished dream come true. Set up by the eminent political cartoonist K. Shankar Pillai in 1965, the doll's museum has one of the largest collection of costume dolls anywhere in the world. The Museum's curious collection of costume dolls was inspired by a gift of a single doll, which Shankar received from the Hungarian Ambassador in the early fifties, as a prize in the Shankar's International Children's Competition. Shankar fell in love with the doll and with the permission of the Ambassador, he kept the doll for himself. So fascinated was he with this Hungarian doll that Shankar, thereafter, began collecting costume dolls whenever he went abroad. Today, the museum houses a myriad volume of 6,500 exhibits from almost eighty-five countries, bestowing it with a truly international demeanour. Come, experience your childhood again...

Oh! What An Impressive Collection

As you will catch up with the stately Nehru Building that houses the curious collection of exquisite dolls, spare some time to appreciate the colourful motifs embellishing the outer walls of the colossum. Dreamy images floating on a wide horizon, painted with emotions on rippleless walls. Look for a side entrance with a stately winding staircase that leads up to the foyer. Dolls, dolls and dolls..everywhere and anywhere you see. You may think that they come to life after dusk. Over a third of them are from India, and one exhibit houses 500 dolls in the costumes worn all over India. Through the dolls adorned in brilliant costumes and dazzling jewellery, the museum offers an interesting way to learn about different cultures, climate, folklore and intriguing mythologies providing a deeper view of rural India. Inside, the museum is divided into two halves - dolls brought from European countries and independent states, and Asian countries - each affording over 160 glass cases mounted on the walls.

There are also special displays besides a representative collection from the over 150 kinds of authentic Indian lifestyle dolls made at the Dolls Workshop attached to the Museum. Believe us, you just cannot miss the opportunity to visit this particular alcove of craftsmenship. See allurinng dolls come to life, right in front of your eyes! Each doll is hand crafted after prudent research work that includes complete knowledge about physical attributes, dress and jewellery of individual characters. To your surprise, you can even shop for your favourite dolls and carry them along with your memories for your loved ones. Some exquisite collection of dolls include Boys and Girls Festival dolls from Japan, replica Dolls of the Queen's collection (UK), Maypole Dance from Hungary, Kabuki and Samurai dolls from japan, Flamenco dancers from Spain, Women's Orchestra from Thailand, and Kandy Pehara from Sri Lanka. Interesting isn't it?

Click Here