Chandigarh is The City Beautiful and a triumphant exhibition of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision. The first Prime Minister of India dreamed of a new town that symbolizes freedom and manifests India’s faith in the future. The gargantuan task of designing the country’s first planned city on the foothills of the Himalayas fell to the Swiss-French architect and designer Charles-Édouard Jeanneret (Le Corbusier). Today, Chandigarh is a modern city that epitomizes a successful marriage of nature and man in an urban setting. A particular tourist attraction in Bal Bhavan in Sector 23 houses dolls and puppets from different countries. This guide to International Dolls Museum, Chandigarh, offers a sneak preview of the delights and curiosities you will find there.
Things to do / highlights
Posted by Shivalik Convent School on Friday, 4 October 2019
A doll extravaganza for children
Chandigarh offers a sightseeing experience you’ve probably never encountered before. How about spending a few hours in a museum where 400 dolls are on display? Currently, the museum is home to exquisite dolls in costume and adorned with jewelry from India. On display are delightful creations depicting the traditions of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. Look for the doll exhibit that depicts various traditional dance forms of India. A total of 36 countries are represented in the International Dolls Museum. In addition, you can view a selection of Barbie dolls, and gain insight into the history of the popular American fashion doll icon. Many of the acquisitions are donations from sponsors and patrons.
Four sections of exhibits
The dolls from India are placed in one section. These dolls are garbed in the traditional attire of the region they came from. Just looking at the dolls gives the visitor an idea of the cultural traditions of the state they represent. You’ll be fascinated to see all the dolls in their intricate costumes in the section named Indian Dolls. There are three other sections, namely International Dolls, History of Dolls, and Activity Corner.
Elegant dolls from foreign countries such as Denmark and Germany will catch your attention. Sophisticated dolls from other European countries including the Netherlands, Russia, and Spain can also be found in the International Dolls Museum. They are all dressed in the traditional costumes of the countries they represent. There are decorous dolls from Korea as well.
Stories in 3-D miniature
Admirers of children’s stories, fairy tales, and animated Disney movies will be delighted to see special dolls in the likeness of storybook princesses such as Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty. Dolls paying tribute to popular fictional characters such as Ali Baba and Aladdin are on display as well. These dolls are featured in tableaus telling well-known stories. Aside from popular fairy tales, and Hindu epics such as the Ramayana, the miniature tableaus also depict the life story of Gautama Buddha. So if you have a love for stories and epics then you might find this attraction quite interesting.
Railway station model
The museum is a great place for children to explore. Young boys and girls will be enchanted by the items on display, especially since there is also a toy train on exhibit. Did we say there’s a toy train? The truth is, the model in the middle of the exhibition hall is that of a German railway station. It’s a fascinating piece that attracts children and adults alike.
How to get there
By bus
When in India the best mode of transport to use is the ones most easily available on the streets. If you are not putting up at a plush hotel that offers you concierge service, simply step out and board a city bus. See for yourself the most impressive collection of local and international dolls in Punjab and Haryana. The International Dolls Museum is about 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) from Chandigarh Bus Station.
By taxicab
If you want more privacy and do have disposable cash on you, you can always board a taxi. If you hail a taxicab, give the driver the address of the museum. The International Dolls Museum is located at Sector 23B, Udyog Path, Sector 23, Chandigarh. If the driver is unfamiliar with Sector 23, then give them the nearby Bal Bhavan Auditorium as a landmark.
How to get tickets
Entrance fees for the International Dolls Museum are nominal and quite very affordable for all kinds of visitors. You can purchase tickets on-site. Ticket prices are as follows: 10 INR (0.14 USD) for adults, and 5 INR (0.068 USD) for camera. Children can enter the museum for free.
The museum receives a huge number of visitors being one of Chandigarh’s top tourist attractions. It is open daily except on Mondays and national holidays when the museum keeps its doors closed. The best time to visit should be on a weekday as the crowd is comparatively less on typical working days.
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International Dolls Museum information
Posted by Aakash Tahlan on Wednesday, 29 May 2019
International Dolls Museum
Address: Bal Bhawan, Udyog Path, Sector 23B, Chandigarh, 160023, India
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4.30pm (closed on Mon)
Cost: 1 USD (approx.); free for children
Department of tourism: Visit Chandigarh
History
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