Shankar's International Dolls Museum

Shankar's International Dolls Museum is a museum in Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, presenting figures from numerous countries and Indian states in glass cases along the walls. The walk-through spans two floors, with each cabinet organized by geographic region or theme, displaying figures in regional dress and accessories.

Cartoonist K. Shankar Pillai opened this museum in 1965 after bringing back figures from his travels with government representatives. The collection grew over the years through donations and purchases from Asia, Europe, and other continents.

The display includes figures dressed for weddings, religious ceremonies, and regional celebrations, showing how garments and ornaments vary across communities. Visitors see differences in fabric patterns, jewelry styles, and headwear that reflect local traditions and daily life in different parts of the country.

The entrance sits on a busy road near other public buildings, making it easy to combine the visit with nearby stops. Plan about an hour to walk through the exhibits and take in the displays at a comfortable pace.

Part of the collection comes from countries Pillai never visited himself but received as gifts from foreign diplomats and travelers. Some cabinets also contain handcrafted miniature furniture and everyday objects that provide context for the figures.