Shankar's International Dolls Museum — Attraction in Delhi

Shankar's International Dolls Museum in Delhi is a delightful and unique destination that transports visitors into a world of diverse cultures through an impressive collection of dolls from around the globe. Founded by the famous political cartoonist K. Shankar Pillai, the museum is a treasure trove for those who appreciate art, culture, and history.

One of the museum's standout features is its vast collection of dolls—over 6,500 dolls from 85 countries. The variety is astonishing, with dolls representing traditional costumes, rituals, and lifestyles of different cultures. From intricately dressed dolls from Japan and Spain to charming representations of Indian tribes and communities, the museum beautifully captures the essence of each culture. The level of detail in these dolls is mesmerizing, making it a fascinating experience for both children and adults alike.

The museum is well-organized, with the dolls categorized by region and theme. The Indian section is particularly captivating, showcasing the rich diversity of the country through dolls dressed in traditional attire from various states. This section is a wonderful way to explore India's cultural heritage.

The ambiance of the museum is calm and reflective, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the experience. The museum is well-maintained, and the staff are helpful and knowledgeable, providing insights into the history and significance of the dolls.

While the museum primarily caters to children, it also holds a nostalgic charm for adults. It’s a place where you can spend hours marveling at the craftsmanship and cultural significance of each exhibit. The museum also offers a sense of travel without leaving the city, as you explore the world through these miniature ambassadors of culture.

Overall, Shankar's International Dolls Museum is a must-visit for anyone in Delhi who appreciates culture, history, and the artistry of dolls. It’s a perfect spot for a family outing, school trip, or simply a day of discovery and nostalgia....

International Doll Museum at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Right next to ITO.

Awesome, Entertaining and to top is all, a huge knowledge bank for Grown ups and Kids alike.

At the very outset, I must warn you that you are in for a surprise if you think you are visiting just a large collection of dolls. I took my kids on a sunday afternoon and the crowd was decent. Entry ticket counter had hardly any rush as barely even 10% of Delhiites are aware of the existence of this wonder. The collection started more than 50 years back has about 7000 dolls, which have been beautifully exhibited, with Country wise and continent wise exhibit displays. You are welcomed by Australian section which has a wonderful style of story telling. 19th century to late 20th century has been depicted beautifully through dolls in near perfect outfits from each decade. Adults were equally mesmerised to see the outfits, attires, cultures and traditions of almost 100 countries displayed through the dolls. Wooden dolls from African continent, Wax dolls, Jute, Plastic, Ivory, wool, metal...you name it and there it is. The dolls from Japan, China and some European countries are especially enchanting. The last 15-20 sections are dedicated to Indian dolls from all states, depicting local cultures , Folklore, attires..Ranging from Kashmir to Kerela and Rajastan to Nagaland. On display are some of the rarest dolls, some of which were presented to Mr Shankar, the creator of the museum, by various Queen, First ladies and state heads. My only regret was that Photography here is Strictly prohibited. My kids wanted to create a Catalogue of Dolls of the world but were sad without the photos. The place is a MUST VISIT , tickets damn cheap with 30 for adults & 12 for children. Plan to visit on a Sunday and from here, you can visit the famous book Market at Delhi Gate, the heaven of Old Books.

To Summarise, the place is an eye-opener and needs greater publicity. A refreshing and...

A doll is a girl’s first best friend with whom she shares every small-little thing in her mind! It is the first toy of her life which, ironically, is supposed to symbolize her own demeanor. Whether it is an innate quality or just a social construction, girls are always supposed to be as prim and proper as a doll. Perhaps this special significance of a doll in a girl’s life is the reason behind the international recognition of the Doll’s Museum in Delhi.

Established in the year 1965, Shankar’s International Dolls Museum is like a dreamland for the children. It is by far the largest Dolls Museum in the country spreading across an area of 5184 square feet. A noted political cartoonist by profession, K.Shankar Pillai conceptualized the idea behind this museum and thus it came to be known as Shankar’s Dolls Museum. Today, it houses almost 6500 exhibits from a total number of 85 nations.

The museum has been divided into two halves. One half is for the collection from the Europe, the U.S, Australia and New Zealand and the other for the Asian Countries including India. The Indian contribution sums up to around 500 unique dolls dressed up in the Indian attire worn all across the country. Some dolls are also the representation of the different dance forms of India. A “clinic” for the dolls which need restoration can also be found at the museum.

Shankar’s Dolls museum or simply the Doll’s Museum, is one of the most visited destination for children’s day out. Watching such a huge collection of beautiful dolls all together is a delighting experience rejoiced by the children. Not only does it bring joy to their faces but also educates the about a lot many things around the world. So whether or not you are a child, you must visit the Dolls Museum for an experience which is truly one of its kinds!

Timings: 10 am to 6 pm

Entry: Adult: Rs.15,...