The Seattle Traveler

Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art

by Mary Jo on October 27th, 2006

The relationship between a child and a doll is one that can only be understood by experiencing it, but once experienced, it is never forgotten.

When I was growing up, I collected Barbie’s.  Well, I didn’t really “collect” them; I just had lots of them, and played with them.  I’d get together with other girls in the neighborhood, and in ignorant bliss to the politcal incorrectedness of dolls, we’d stage all kinds of great adventures.

So, when I first heard about the Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art, I wanted to see if a visit would rekindle those fond memories of my childhood.

The Museum opened in 1992, and you can tell that it’s been a labor of love.  The setting is an elegant Victorian house, with display all around.  The collection currently is estimated at over 3,000 dolls, some of which are available for purchase.  There’s also other childhood memorabilia, along with the dolls, including a collection of teddy bears, toys, and dollhouses.

After a visit to the Museum, I went home and found the storage boxes where my dolls were stored.  I pulled them off the shelf, opened the boxes, and lovingly looked at them.  It was a wonderful side-trip down memory lane.

The museum is designed for collectors, with dolls in pristine displays and condition.  This is a “don’t touch” museum.  Dolls that are available for purchase are fairly expensive, priced for the “collector” rather than for kids to play with. 

The exhibit, “Mother and Daughter’s at Play with Their Dolls” starts on October 28th and runs through January 2007.  Older children will probably enjoy time spent at the museum.  Younger ones will likely get bored easily.

The Museum if also available for rental for groups up to 260 people.

The Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll art is located at 1116 106th Avenue NE, in Bellevue.  Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 11 am-4 pm.  Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for children, and kids under 5 are free.

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POSTED IN: Art, Family Fun, Museums