Why is Shankar’s International Dolls Museum Popular?

You might feel that visiting a museum is a boring and nerdy thing. Mostly such places of knowledge are visited by history enthusiasts and researchers. What if we told you, about some unique museums in the world, and visiting them is no less than heading on an adventurous journey? 

Let’s talk on a national level, did you know there is a museum dedicated only to dolls in India? If you didn’t then this post will be quite interesting for you. Situated in Delhi, Shankar’s International Dolls Museum is what we were talking about. 

Another misconception regarding Shankar’s International Doll Museum New Delhi; ‘It must be for the kids’, well, it isn’t. This museum has a rich history and has been a popular hub for research, art appreciation, and cultural display. Although the tiny tots love Shankar’s International Dolls Museum Delhi, adults equally appreciate it. 

Do add visiting this fascinating place to your travel itinerary on a trip to India.

History of Shankar’s International Dolls Museum New Delhi

Shankar’s International Dolls Museum Delhi’s assortment of costume dolls was sparked by a single doll K.Shankar Pillai A famed political cartoonist received as a prize from the Hungarian Ambassador in the early 1950s, which was intended for the Shankar’s International Children’s Competition. 

Shankar was enchanted and intrigued by the doll. With the Ambassador’s consent, he kept the doll in his collection. His fascination with the Hungarian doll led him to collect costume dolls whenever he traveled abroad. 

His trips were frequent, as he often accompanied the Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and his daughter, Indira Gandhi.

He accumulated a collection of approximately 500 dolls, which he decided to display in various locations across India alongside the artwork created by children. 

The constant moving and setting up of the displays caused damage to the dolls which was a great concern for Shankar.

Later, Indira Gandhi suggested the idea of a permanent museum for the dolls. Thus, when the Children’s Book Trust was constructing its building, a section was allocated and designed as a museum for the dolls.

The Museum was inaugurated in 1965 by the then President of India, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, who named the building, ‘Nehru House’ in honor of the late Prime Minister. 

The Museum began with a thousand dolls. Between 1965 and 1987, an additional 5000 dolls were acquired, the majority of which were gifts.

Presently, the Museum houses nearly 7500 exhibits from around 85 countries, giving it a global appeal.

Architecture of the Shankar’s International Dolls Museum

The Shankar’s International Dolls Museum is located in a part of Nehru House’s ground floor. This building also serves as the headquarters for the Children’s Book Trust, a publishing company that specializes in children’s and young adult literature.

The building spans an area of 5,184.5 square feet and features a separate entrance. Visitors can access the museum’s lobby on the first floor via a spiral staircase, which is unique to the museum.

The museum is split into two identical sections, each focusing on dolls from specific regions worldwide. The displays are protected by glass cases, with a total of up to 160 cases, each stretching 1,000 feet in length.

Best things to do in Shankar’s International Dolls Museum:

1. Admire the exquisite doll collection: At Shankar’s International Dolls Museum in Delhi, you get an opportunity to witness the diverse cultures and fashion of various countries. Check out the wide collection of Ethnic, Speciality, and Costume dolls here. 

2. Visit the two sections of Shankar’s International Dolls Museum: The whole establishment is divided into two major wings. Don’t forget to check out both portions as one houses dolls from countries like the United Kingdom, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, etc., and the other wing is dedicated to an exclusive doll collection from Middle Eastern countries and Asian countries including India.

3. Learn of Shankar’s International Dolls Museum’s history: This museum has an interesting history and it’s quite fascinating to know how this place came into existence. 

4. Take a guided tour of the museum: If you’re an inquisitive soul and wish to gather in-depth knowledge about Shankar’s International Dolls Museum, then you have an option to take guided tours. These tours cover many other fascinating museums in Delhi as well. 

5. Check out the special displays: Along with the plethora of dolls displayed at Shankar’s International Dolls Museum, there is a special display of dolls that are meticulously crafted in the museum’s dolls. 

This display consists of more than 150 unique Indian costume doll varieties crafted at the Dolls Designing Centre and Workshop (which began in 1966) displayed at the Museum.

6. Observe the artisans at work at the museum workshop: You can watch the elaborate doll-making process at the Doll Designing Centre and Workshop, where expert artisans work tirelessly to create masterpieces. 

Some Interesting Facts About the Shankar’s International Dolls Museum:

Some intriguing things about Shankar’s International Dolls Museum make it one of the most interesting places to visit in Delhi:

1. None of the dolls at Shankar’s International Dolls Museum have the same features. Although, a specific frame is used to maintain standard sizing. 

2. You’ll be thrilled to know who all fall on the list of dignitaries who visited this museum; President U. Thant of Burma (now Myanmar), Madame Tito of Yugoslavia, Queen Frederika of Greece, the Queen of Thailand, the sister of Shah of Iran, the wives of the President of Mexico and Indonesia, of the Prime Ministers of Poland and South Korea and the UN Secretary-General and cultural delegations from many countries.⁣

3. Visitors can explore and even take part in the doll-making workshops here. 

4. The museum also has a hospital or clinic to treat the ‘sick dolls’. This department handles the mending and upkeep of broken or damaged dolls.

5. Shankar never wished that the museum should have an entry fee, but for it to sustain and fun.

Tips for visiting Shankar’s International Dolls Museum:

• If you plan to take shots inside the premises, note that photography is prohibited in the museum.
• For people visiting with the elderly and physically impaired there is no wheelchair facility available, the museum is accessible only by stairs.
• Shankar’s International Dolls Museum timings are from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, (Monday closed).
• Shankar’s International Dolls Museum ticket price is Rs. 30/- for adults and Rs. 10/- for kids.
• Shankar’s International Dolls Museum Delhi location address is 4, Nehru House, Bahadur Shah Zafar Road, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Balmiki Basti, Vikram Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi, 110002, India.
• Food items are prohibited inside the museum. 
• Behave mindfully and appropriately as Shankar’s International Dolls Museum has major historical and cultural significance.
• There is no specific best time to visit Shankar’s International Dolls Museum, as it is open year-round and can be visited any time within the operation hours.
• There are many amazing things to see at Shankar’s International Dolls Museum, therefore keep at least 2 hours in hand to visit this place.

How to reach Shankar’s International Dolls Museum:

The Shankar’s International Doll Museum is located in Nehru House, close to the ITO Crossing. 

The closest metro stop to the museum is Pragati Maidan, located on the Blue Line. Rickshaws and autos are readily available outside the metro, ready to transport you to the museum.