Museo delle Bambole – Collezione Graziella Gardini Pasini

About the museum

The museum grew out of the passion of Graziella Gardini Pasini, who over time built up, starting from her own dolls and family collections, a collection counted among the most important in Europe. Opened in 2006 under the name Piccolo Museo di Bambole e altri Balocchi, it was housed in the basement rooms of the former Palazzo Rasponi-Murat in the centre of Ravenna and received the “Musei di qualità” recognition.

The collection mainly documents the period from 1850 to 1950 and includes dolls in porcelain, celluloid and cloth of French, German and Italian manufacture. They are displayed in chronological order to show the evolution of materials and facial expressions and, with them, the changing way adults portray childhood. There are also rarities from other periods, such as an 18th-century toy stretcher and a reproduction of a Mycenaean doll from 1100 BC, as well as a section devoted to handmade dolls from various countries around the world and a grocer's shop of 1860 reconstructed in miniature.

After the closure of the original site, the collection was moved to Palazzo Guiccioli, restored by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Ravenna. The museum occupies the detached section of the second courtyard and is part of the Complesso Museale dell'Ottocento, which also includes the Museo Byron and the Museo del Risorgimento. The three museums share a ticket office.

Highlights

• Dolls in porcelain, celluloid and cloth from France, Germany and Italy
• Chronological route from 1850 to 1950
• 18th-century toy stretcher
• Reproduction of a Mycenaean doll from 1100 BC
• Miniature grocer's shop of 1860
• Section of handmade dolls from all over the world

Founded

2006

Operated by

Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Ravenna

Admission & discounts

The ticket also gives access to the Museo Byron and the Museo del Risorgimento in the same palace. Free admission also for ICOM members, teachers with school groups, journalists and tourist guides with an ID card. Dogs are admitted only in carriers, except assistance dogs.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Assistance dogs are admitted; other animals only in carriers. The website does not describe lifts or accessible routes.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The subject of antique dolls and toys is also suitable for younger visitors; admission is free up to age 11 when accompanied.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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