Paradise for adults and heaven on earth for kids, Shankar’s International Dolls Museum in Delhi is India’s brightest and most unusual sight. Situated in the midst of the Children’s Book Trust complex on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, the museum has a beautiful collection of more than 6,500 dolls representing more than 85 nations. Art lovers, culture vultures, and curious explorers should not miss this carefully restored masterpiece that offers an illusory odyssey.

History and Legacy

Renowned political cartoonist K. Shankar Pillai founded the museum in 1965. Shankar Pillai. He founded the museum because he loved children and foreign cultures. A Hungarian ambassador donated the first doll, and subsequent years saw more of such donations coming in as donation gifts as well as foreign tours by Shankar.

What to See Inside

1. International Doll Collection

• The two significant divisions of this museum are:
• Western Dolls Gallery: Featuring European, Middle Eastern, USA, Australian, and New Zealand dolls.
• Eastern Dolls Gallery: Featuring Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, African, and Indian dolls.
• All the dolls are dressed in national costume, reflecting a peep at the culture, tradition, and custom of their respective countries.

2. Indian Doll Section

• This show contains over 150 dolls in their authentic Indian attire, each representing a state and community. There is a Rajasthani bride, a Bengali dance doll, and more, all to marvel at and representative of the diversity of India.

3. Thematic Exhibits

• Theme galleries with special arrangements have dolls performing traditional cultural dances, weddings, and rituals. The considered displays are instructive and participatory, ideal for kids and school groups.

4. Doll Workshop

• The museum also has a doll-making workshop where professional artists make and restore dolls. The visitors have a chance to observe how peaceful work is being conducted.

Visitor Information

• Opening days: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (weekends and Public Holidays excepted)
• To be paid:
• Adult: ₹20
• Children below the age of 12 years: ₹10
• Shankar’s International Dolls Museum Near Subway: ITO (Violet Line)

Visit Shankar’s International Dolls Museum and why

• Family Friendly: Child, school trip, and study tour friendly
• Historical Significance: Founded by a Padma Vibhushan awardee and loved by generations

Local Places of Interest

• Children’s Book Trust Library – Reader’s paradise
• Feroz Shah Kotla Fort – Historic monument just spitting distance away
• Raj Ghat – Mahatma Gandhi memorial place just next door

Book Your Tour with Shahin Travels

Let your child within shine in Shahin Travels‘ trip to Shankar’s International Dolls Museum, where fantasy and culture go hand in hand. Join Shahin Travels and have a well-organized tour, where learning and fun go hand in hand. Whichever the occasion, whether with family or just by yourself to Delhi, this museum is one that will leave an indelible mark on your memory. Make a booking of your city tour in Delhi with Shahin Travels today and experience the kingdom of the doll as never before!