Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art - Bellevue, Washington - Doll Museum with a Collection of Over 3000 Dolls

The Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art is located in the Washington State community of Bellevue Washington just outside of Seattle. The museum was established in 1992 and has been a favorite destination of doll collectors and enthusiasts since its inception.

The museum focuses on the doll as a form of art as well as play and imagination. Upon stepping into the Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art the visitor is surrounded by one the finest private doll collections in the entire world. The elegant setting of the museum adds to the atmosphere of mystique and nostalgia.

The museum exhibits feature over 1,200 dolls that are on permanent display. The dolls range from antique to the most modern and also include toys, dollhouses, teddy bears, and other pieces of childhood memorabilia.

Visitors see firsthand the history of dolls and the intricate art work that goes into certain dolls. A large part of the appeal of the museum is the building and garden. The building has Victorian influences but is a modern structure.

Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art has won several prestigious awards since it first opened. The most prestigious award was the Jumeau Trophy for Best Private Doll Museum in the World, which was awarded in Paris France in 1994.

Self-guided tours through the galleries provide the visitor with the chance to take his or her time to study and enjoy each unique piece. Not only are there 1,200 dolls on permanent display there are also changing exhibits that showcase exciting and unique dolls for viewing. Some examples include the very first Barbie created by Mattel in 1959 which shows her wearing a commuter set.

Other examples include The Flowering of French doll made by Bru circa 1885, and the famous French China-head dolls made by Sevres circa 1918. Along with the permanent and temporary collections within the museum there is a store that offers an array of dolls from all eras and genres from the beloved Bye-lo's to the world famous Barbie visitors will surely find something that tickles their fancy.

Older folks will be taken back in time to their childhoods when dolls took the role of best friend and favorite toy. Younger children will be able to learn about the history of doll making and how dolls have radically changed over the years.

Things are always happening at the Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art. No matter when visitors come there is usually some sort of activity or event celebrating the doll and its contributions to art work and history. There are often theme displays that go along with holidays and certain happenings in the world as well as birthday parties celebrating the "birthdays'' of some of the dolls. Doll appraisals clinics are often given to the public due to high interest and demand.

The entire facility or separate spaces can be rented for special occasions of almost any kind. Rosalie's is located at 1116 108th Ave NE Bellevue, WA 98004. Admission prices are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, children 5 to 17 $5 and 4 and under are free. It is open Monday through Saturday 10 to 5 and Sunday 1 to 5.