Museum Foundation 1994 (≈ 1994)
Created by Guido and Samy Odin.
1996
Open to the public
Open to the public 1996 (≈ 1996)
Start of permanent and temporary exhibitions.
septembre 2017
Final closure
Final closure septembre 2017 (≈ 2017)
Museum closed on 15, shop on 23.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Guido Odin - Co-founder and collector
Created the museum with Samy Odin.
Samy Odin - Co-founder and collector
Created the museum with Guido Odin.
Origin and history
The Doll Museum, founded in 1994 by Guido and Samy Odin, two passionate collectors, opened its doors to the public in 1996. Located in the Sainte-Avoye district of the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, a place historically linked to bimbeloterie artisans, it presented a permanent collection of dolls dating from 1800 to 1959. These objects illustrated the evolution of the functions, morphologies, materials and ethnic representations of Western dolls, while highlighting the main manufacturers of the time.
The museum offered temporary thematic exhibitions, accessible with the entrance ticket, often accompanied by publications of specialized works. A variety of activities were organized all year round for children and adults: guided tours, creative workshops, birthday snacks, as well as a dedicated bookshop and restaurant service for dolls and plushs, nicknamed the "Clinique". The collections were also loaned for external exhibitions, and the premises could be privatized. Despite these activities, the museum had to close in September 2017 due to a decrease in attendance and the costs associated with the upgrade work.
Located at the bottom of the Berthaud impasse, close to 22 rue Beaubourg and the Anne-Frank garden, the museum was centrally located in Paris. The site was served by Rambuteau Metro Station, facilitating access to visitors. After 21 years of activity, the definitive closure marked the end of a unique place dedicated to the history and culture of dolls in France.