Doll museum in disarray

Many dolls not on display; 'star attraction', replica of German toy train, immobile

The International Dolls Museum, at the Bal Bhavan in Sector 23 in Chandigarh, showcases dolls of various origins. Along with the dolls it also features scenes of famous fairy tales which appeal to children. But the place has a sad tale of its own. Many dolls are not on display and the most attractive feature of the museum, a replica of the German toy train, is also not working.

The toy train has not been working since last year. Even though the train was repaired last year, it stands still at the platform. There is an electrical glitch, which prevents the train from running. An electrician from Mumbai repairs the train. One of the museum staff said that they had been sending complaints to the office for the past 6 months, but no one has come to mend the train yet.

According to Dr P C Sharma, the toy train has been there since 1985.

Earlier, the display window could be opened by children. Now, the museum authorities have sealed it off with glass panes.

Also, the museum is falling short of dolls. Some of the dolls have not been displayed yet. This also includes the dolls gifted by Vidya Stokes in May last year. The officer-in-charge, Dr P C Sharma informed that the documentation and photography of the dolls yet to be done.

The museum has dolls from 46 countries. Even though the number has doubled since the most recent renovation in 2009, some counters like Australia and Europe lie vacant even today.

The chronology of the evolution of dolls is not on display any more. Only a few dolls including one of Harappan culture, a barbie and a soft doll. Most of the dolls of the evolution are not on display.

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