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Shankar’s International Dolls Museum was established in 1965 with the objective to provide a permanent exhibition space to the renowned cartoonist K. Shankar Pillai’s collection of 500 dolls. Today, the museum houses 6,500 dolls from 85 countries. In addition to dolls from different parts of the world, there are 150 genuine Indian costume dolls, which have been crafted at the Dolls Workshop attached to the museum.
Special Attractions in and around Dolls Museum
Shankar’s International Dolls Museum is considered to have one of the largest collections of costume dolls. The entire museum is divided into two equal halves. One section displays dolls from Australia, Common Wealth of Independent States, European countries, U.K. and USA; and the other section exhibits dolls from Africa, the Middle East and Asian countries including India.
Additionally, there is a special section displaying 150 authentic Indian costume dolls. Each of these dolls has been meticulously hand-crafted at the Dolls Workshop that is present within the premises of the museum. Apart from the Dolls Workshop, the museum also has its own Dolls Designing Center.
The dolls in the museum are dressed in their ethnic costumes. Thus, showcasing the cultural and social life, climate and folklore of the region or place they belong to. Although all the dolls are worth-watching, but some are simply exemplary like 250 years old doll from Switzerland, costume doll from Bulgaria, and Kabuki dancer of Japan.
Besides dolls, the museum also exhibits theme-based special displays like the man on moon, Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi march, Kathakali dance and the forest scene. All these unique displays enthrall each and every tourist.
Timings
Dolls Museum observes weekly holiday on Mondays. On other days, tourists can visit the museum between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. The entry fee is Rs. 5/- for children and Rs. 10/- for adults. The ticket counter remains open only up till 5:30 PM.
Location of Dolls Museum
State: Delhi
Tourist Attractions near Dolls Museum
Located close to the Dolls Museum is Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. It is India’s most respected place of pilgrimage. Opposite to the Samadhi of the Father of the Nation is the National Gandhi Museum, where Gandhiji’s letters, books, manuscripts, photographs and voice records have been collected and preserved. Another major tourist attraction near the Dolls Museum is the Pragati Maidan, which is a popular venue for numerous national and international fairs.
This article was contributed by Anubha Shyam
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