Hello Local Guides!
I’m excited to share a quick recap of our Local Guides Meetup held on 01 June 2025 at the iconic Shankar’s International Dolls Museum, New Delhi.
About the Meetup:
This meetup was designed to combine exploration, learning, and connection among Local Guides while discovering a hidden cultural gem of the city. The Shankar’s International Dolls Museum, with its massive collection of approx. 7500 dolls from over 85 countries, offered the perfect backdrop for this cultural experience.
Activities & Highlights:
Museum Walkthrough:
We explored the two main wings of the museum—one featuring dolls from the Americas, Europe, Australia, and the other showcasing collections from Asian and Middle Eastern countries, including a rich display of Indian costume dolls.
Story Behind the Museum:
We discussed the fascinating history of how the museum came into being, thanks to K. Shankar Pillai’s love for dolls and Indira Gandhi’s support in creating a permanent home for them.
Photo Sessions & Conversations:
Although photography was restricted inside, we took group pictures at Entrance of Measeum & outside Nehru House and shared stories about our favorite exhibits and cultural learnings.
Discussion on Mapping & Reviews:
We exchanged ideas on how to write impactful reviews for such cultural places and how to improve visibility on Google Maps through photos and tips.
### Fascinating Facts About the Museum
- No two dolls are identical, even though they follow a standardized size frame.
- The museum has hosted several dignitaries, including Queen Frederika of Greece, the Queen of Thailand, UN Secretary-General, and other global personalities.
- Visitors can participate in doll-making workshops conducted on-site.
- A doll clinic exists to repair and maintain the “sick” or damaged dolls.
- Shankar originally wanted the museum to be free for all, though a nominal fee is charged today for sustainability.
Visitor Information
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fee: ₹30 for adults, ₹12 for children , ₹6 Per children(In Groups of 20 and above)
- Photography: Not allowed inside
- Wheelchair Access: Not available; entry only via staircase
- Address: 4, Nehru House, Bahadur Shah Zafar Road, New Delhi, 110002
- Nearest Metro Station: ** ITO Gate No.4 (Blue Line)** — This gate available in front of museum building.
Reflections:
Thanks to @ShreyaMusings @Ssiddharth2000 @Hemendu @SonamW , Amit for joining the Meetup
It was a great experience meeting Local Guides and exploring one of Delhi’s most unique museums together. The diversity of the exhibits sparked conversations about global cultures, traditional costumes, and the importance of preserving artistic heritage.
We ended the meetup with a light discussion on our next exploration spot and shared insights on contributing more effectively on Google Maps. a virtual Session with @TravellerG Sir , @Shubhangisingh ,Akhay Ji , @K.K.Sharma Sir & @DigitalRahulYadav
Special Thanks:
A big thank you to everyone who joined! Your enthusiasm, insights, and community spirit made this meetup meaningful. Let’s keep the Local Guides spirit alive and continue exploring the cultural treasures around us.
I will write a separate post on Museum
#LocalGuides #ConnectWithCulture #DelhiMeetup #ShankarsDollsMuseum #GoogleLocalGuides #ExploreDelhi #CulturalHeritage #LocalGuidesRecap
