The collection of dolls at Shankar’s International Dolls Museum reflecting the culture of diverse continent is a sure treat for kids as well as the elders. The dolls, kept in more than 160 types of glass cases draped in beautiful attires, can lure anyone like a fancy tale of fairies. The museum provides sheer happiness of meeting the kabuki dancer of Kyoto, jazz trumpeter of Harlem, and the flamenco dancer of Barcelona. Watching the dolls one can feel like going through the journey of races, religions, and sexes of the world draped in magnificent locale dresses and jewelries.

Features

The exciting range of old and vintage dolls from different parts of the world attracts visitor to come again and enjoy the beauty of the dolls. The museum is positioned in the Children’s Book trust building on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi.

The Dolls museum is divided into two categories as per the dolls diverse costumes. Among them one section contains dolls from, U.S, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and Other Independent States of Common Wealth States. Another section includes dolls from Asian Countries, Africa, Middle East, and India.

The Exhibition of Dolls

Though the International Museum has dolls from European and Asian Countries, yet the main collection is made with unique 150 types of Indian costume dolls created at the Doll’s workshop attached to the Museum. Fine artistry and revered craftsmanship can be well marked for the enchanting dress and jewelry the dolls are adorned with. Each doll is handcrafted after meticulous research for its shape and other physical attributes. There are dolls with unique costumes of kathakali , dolls draped in Japanese festive wear, samurai and Kabuki dolls from Japan, replica doll of Queen’s collection, Maypole dance from Hungary, Spain’s Flamenco dancers, Sri Lanka’s Kandy Pehara, and Thailand’s women’s orchestra.

The dolls at the museum got Golden Peacock Feather awards as first prize at the Dolls Biennale that was held in Cracow, Poland in 1980. Most of the dolls in the International Dolls Museum exhibit the cultural hues and ethnicities of India. They reflect diverse Indian dances and regional costumes. There are dolls in pairs of brides and grooms as per different states and some groups of dolls are adorned in sari.

Some Indian dolls made at the workshop are exchanged as gifts received from foreign and also sold to museums in India and abroad.

The Museum had thousand dolls when it was started. However, in between 1965 and 1987 another five thousand were added as a large array came as gift. Presently, the range has increased to 6,500 from more than eighty countries, truly giving it an international charm and fame.

Information for Visitors

• Timings: The museum remains open from 10 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. It remains closed on Monday and other gazetted holidays
• Ticket Cost: Ticket available at the cost of Rs.15/ for adults and for Child Rs. 5/-
• Location: Nehru House, 4, Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, N. Delhi
• Attractions: A wonderful exhibition of 160 glass cases comprising 6,500 dolls dressed in varied captivating costumes reveal the diverse cultures of the nations.

How to Reach

It is easy to reach Delhi as the city offers convenient and efficient transport facilities. It is well connected nationally and internationally through airways, road and railways. Let’s take a look in varied commute services that make reaching Delhi an effortless matter.

By Road

Shankar’s International Dolls Museum is well connected with local transport like auto, cab or taxi. One can easily reach International Dolls Museum Delhi by hiring one of them.

By Air

You can also reach Delhi by boarding a flight. The city is well connected with all the major Indian cities and also with international cities through its domestic and international air services.

By Train

Delhi is connected by a wide network of railways with all the big and small cities of India. Despite this, there are metro trains that are superfast and help you reach the venue at the earliest. The Nearest metro station is Pragati Maidan

By Bus

Delhi offers an improved bus facility with its three bus terminals, like Inter State Bus terminus (ISBT) at kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale Khan Bus Terminus, and Anand Vihar Bus Terminus. You can board a DTC bus from anywhere in Delhi to reach Shankar’s International Dolls Museum.