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The dolls are all presented chronologically through the different
rooms of the museum and show the evolution of this toy through the times, which includes
things like the materials used to produce the dolls, their functions and the impact they
had along with their educational role they played. In the first room you will get to
see dolls from around 1800 to 1900, then the second room goes from 1900 up to 1950 and so
on.
Plus, within the Musée de la Poupée you can also get to see temporary exhibitions that
showcase past themes along with special collections, and even Barbie has her place in the
museum!
Most of the 200 handmade dolls that are exhibited within this museum date from the 19th
century and come from all over the world, although most of them are French. Some of
the dolls on display have even been made by famous doll makers such as Steiner and Jumeau.
The Musée de la Poupée is situated on the edge of the Marais district in the 3rd
arrondissement of Paris and can be found down a
cul-de-sac, which is really pretty in spring with all the flowers on show.
Throughout the year there are tours available for both adults and children that relate to
the exhibitions and include the temporary exhibitions, which are a good way to discover
the world of toys and being more precise, those of dolls. These tours are great for
virtually anyone of any age (provided that they are over age 5) and the tours begin by
handling dolls' parts from various periods and end with a visit in the permanent rooms and
the guide will answer any question you have as well.
Although most people think of doll's being for a child, you will find that there are many
mature adults that collect dolls and within the museum there is a doll hospital for those
that need a few repairs.
They are called a doll hospital because they do repairs on antique dolls, celluloid babies
and plush animals. And within the Musée de la Poupée there is a doll hospital that
will be able to restore your doll, or even teddy bear back to its original state.
And if you were to bring it with you when you visit the museum, you will be able to get a
free estimate of how much it will cost to repair, even before any work is carried out.
If you have a very old doll that you think could be a collectors or have a favourite teddy
bear from years gone by, then the Musée de la Poupée could be the answer to your
questions. Some of the most common questions asked are; how old is my doll, where
was it made, who made this doll, what is it worth, etc and if you take your prized and
beloved possession along to the museum when you visit, then you will be able to get a free
appraisal by the doll specialist and director of the museum.
Obviously, if you are a collector of traditional dolls from times gone by, then you can
arrange for full evaluations of several different items at a time, but this would be by
appointment only and with a fee.
There are lots of different activities that are available for the children throughout the
year, such as workshops where the children can get to make their own cloth doll and take
it away with them at the end of the session, also there are story telling sessions.
They even do birthday parties, obviously booked in advance, where the children can choose
a range of activities for their party such as making a doll, have a doll tea party, etc.
There is a specialist shop on site and a bookshop that includes publications by the
museum, plus books on patterns, accessories, fashion dolls, teddy bears, reference books
relating to antique dolls, sets of postcards, plus there are dolls for sale along with
antique dolls that are also for sale.
The Musée de la Poupée is open from a Tuesday through to a Sunday from 10am to 6pm, but
is closed on a Monday and on national holidays.
There is a car park available for the public, and the museum is suitable for handicapped
people and as well as the standard non-guided tours, you can also book in advance for
group tours, lectures and specialist consultations of your own doll collections.
Address & Contact Details:
Musée de la Poupée
Impasse Berthaud
near 22 Rue Beaubourg
75003
Paris
France
Telephone: 1 42 72 73 11
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