The collection originated from a single doll given to K. Shankar Pillai by the Hungarian Ambassador in the 1950s.
Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was a frequent visitor and played a key role in the museum's expansion.
The museum contains 'Queen's Collection' dolls, which were gifted to the Indian government by Queen Elizabeth II.
Each doll in the collection is handcrafted and dressed in authentic, region-specific fabrics and accessories.
The 'Kovács' dolls from Hungary are considered some of the finest examples of European craftsmanship in the museum.
The museum serves as a cultural repository, preserving historical folk costumes that have often evolved or disappeared in modern times.
Shankar's International Dolls Museum houses one of the largest collections of costume dolls in the world, featuring over 6,500 exhibits from more than 85 countries. The collection was founded by political cartoonist K. Shankar Pillai, who initiated the display after receiving a gift of a doll from the Hungarian ambassador. The museum is divided into two primary sections: the first features dolls from European, American, Australian, and New Zealand nations, while the second focuses on Asian, Middle Eastern, and African countries. A dedicated 'Indian Collection' showcases dolls dressed in traditional costumes from various states, reflecting the cultural diversity of India. The museum is managed by the Children's Book Trust, an organization established to promote children's literature. Many of the dolls were donated by embassies and foreign dignitaries, resulting in a unique cultural archive of 20th-century folk attire. The facility is located within the Nehru House building in the heart of the ITO area.
The central atrium displays larger, highlighted dolls that provide the best lighting and frame for photography.
Bring a magnifying glass if you want to inspect the intricate embroidery and facial expressions of the smaller dolls.
Spend time in the 'Indian Collection' section first, as it offers the most detailed representation of regional textiles.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby National Gallery of Modern Art if you have extra time.
Avoid visiting during local school holidays if you prefer a quiet environment, as the museum is a popular field trip destination.
Closed on Mondays and major public holidays.
Maintain a quiet volume and refrain from touching the display cases, as many exhibits are fragile antiques.
