Armenia Makes Case for Dedicated Museum of Dolls

A permanent Museum of Dolls in Yerevan could recognize dolls as significant cultural artifacts rather than mere toys, according to an opinion piece in The Armenian Weekly. The proposal builds on growing public interest in doll exhibitions across Yerevan's museums, including a popular permanent exhibition called "Doll Stories" at the Yerevan History Museum featuring nearly 1,000 dolls curated by Marina Khachmanukyan. The collection includes a 115-year-old Art Deco boudoir doll from Armenian nobility and 96 dolls depicting traditional Armenian provincial costumes by London-based artist Alisa Martirosyan. Proponents argue a dedicated museum would provide conservation, research, and educational resources while professionally recognizing Armenian doll artists. The steady growth in visitor attendance despite minimal promotion suggests sufficient public demand to support an independent institution.