Nestled in the heart of Chandigarh’s Sector 23B, Shankar’s International Dolls Museum is a place where imagination, culture, and artistry meet. While Delhi is home to the original institution founded by K. Shankar Pillai, the Chandigarh museum—often called the International Dolls Museum—carries the same spirit of cross-cultural celebration and childlike wonder, offering a truly unique experience for both children and adults.
Origins and Vision
The International Dolls Museum in Chandigarh was established in 1985 within the Bal Bhawan complex, a creative hub for the city’s children. Its conception was inspired by the country’s growing fascination with the world’s cultures and the need for creative, interactive learning spaces. Unlike conventional museums that focus on artifacts, history, or art, the Dolls Museum set out to be a source of entertainment, cultural exposure, and development for kids, giving them a window into lives, customs, and traditions from every corner of the globe.
A Museum Designed for Children—and the Child in All of Us
The museum is thoughtfully designed to appeal to young visitors. Life-size cutouts of dolls, with spaces for children to put their faces and snap photographs, add interactivity and excitement to any trip. The museum’s circular hall, with capacious show windows and sparkling glass, creates a vibrant, immersive viewing experience. Green lawns and a small auditorium nearby make it ideal for group tours and school excursions.
But this space is not only about fun. It weaves an intricate educational narrative, helping children develop social, emotional, and language skills as they learn the stories and symbolism behind each exhibit. By sparking curiosity about distant cultures and everyday lives, the museum has quietly become one of the most beloved learning spaces in Chandigarh.
The Collection: A Mosaic of Global Heritage
At the heart of the museum’s appeal is its remarkable collection: more than 300 dolls sourced from 25 countries, including India, the United States, Russia, Japan, Germany, South Korea, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Spain, and more. Each doll is a cultural emissary, dressed in its country’s traditional attire, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, and accompanied by informative backgrounds about geography and culture.
The museum’s dolls are far from generic toys. They include:
- Tribal Dolls: Depicting the unique attire, customs, and adornments of India’s diverse tribal communities.
- Bridal Dolls: Displaying the stunning array of wedding dresses and jewelry from every Indian state.
- International Dolls: Outfitted in authentic costumes, from Japanese kimonos and Korean hanboks to the elegant garments of European, Middle Eastern, and Latin American cultures.
- Narrative Scenes: Elaborate glass-box displays that recreate stories from Indian mythology, history, fairy tales, and legends. Visitors are enchanted by scenes from the life of Buddha, the adventures of Eklavya from the Mahabharata, and tales from Guru Nanak’s life, fostering both cultural literacy and visual engagement.
A doll from Sweden, donated in memory of a daughter and worth several lakhs, and dolls made of natural sea pearls are among the museum’s prized possessions.
Dolls as Educational Tools
Shankar’s International Dolls Museum goes far beyond exhibition. The displays are curated as a bridge to learning, not just for children but also for parents, teachers, and researchers. Information panels provide detailed context on each doll’s country of origin, dress, and cultural significance. Special emphasis is placed on inclusivity, representing both indigenous and exotic cultures, fostering empathy and an appreciation for global diversity.
Class visits and guided tours are common, making the museum an extension of the classroom. Children absorb new perspectives and develop a heightened sense of the world’s beauty and complexity—a tribute to Shankar Pillai’s original vision for fostering global understanding through play and art.
Engaging Experiences
To make visits memorable, the museum features engaging setups: the “Doll Village” displays themed scenes from daily life and celebrations, creating contexts for the dolls beyond their appearance. The toy train model and shadow puppet section offer additional attractions for children, ensuring the museum is always lively and dynamic.
The adjacent green lawns, auditorium, and the proximity to Chandigarh’s other attractions make the International Dolls Museum a must-visit spot for families, school groups, and tourists.
Practical Information
- Location: Bal Bhawan complex, Udyog Marg, Sector 23B, Chandigarh.
- Timings: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed on Mondays).
- Entry Fee: Rs. 20 for adults; children under 18 and school groups free; camera ticket Rs. 20.
- Accessibility: The vibrant, ground-level layout ensures easy access for kids, elderly, and differently-abled visitors alike.
A Living Legacy
Since its inception, the International Dolls Museum of Chandigarh has delighted countless visitors with its rich array of dolls, educational focus, and universal charm. It continues the work begun by Shankar Pillai in bringing the world to children and igniting the imagination. In a fast-changing world, the museum remains an oasis of innocence, cultural learning, and global togetherness—proving that sometimes, the simplest things can connect us all.
