Iran Dolls Museum

The international jury of the 2025 Bratislava Biennale of Illustration has selected the book Daughter of Dal, illustrated by Noushin Sadeghian, as the top work of this event and deemed it worthy of the Grand Prize.

In the 30th edition of this biennale, which began on October 3, 2025 (11 Mehr 1404) at the Slovak National Gallery and will continue until January 11, 2026 (21 Dey 1404), Daughter of Dal, rewritten by Ahmad Akbarpour and illustrated by Noushin Sadeghian, claimed the Grand Prize. This book, published by Fatemi Publishing’s Children and Young Adult Books division in collaboration with the Museum of Dolls and Culture of Iran, is part of the series Stories of Iranian Ethnic Groups, curated by Masoud Naseri and Ali Golshan.

The book represented Iran at this global competition, nominated through the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults.

At this event, artists from Switzerland, China, Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea received the “Golden Apple” award, while artists from Chile, Switzerland, Brazil, China, and Slovakia received the Golden Plaque.

Noushin Sadeghian, for her illustrations in Daughter of Dal, has already received numerous prestigious awards, including recognition at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Sharjah Exhibition, Chen Bochui Award, and the Grand Pineapple Prize. She now adds the Grand Prize of Bratislava to her accolades.

The Bratislava Biennale of Illustration is one of the oldest international events for children’s book illustration. Alongside the Hans Christian Andersen Award, it is one of the most important awards for children’s and young adult book illustration. This biennale has been held in Slovakia since 1967 with the support of UNESCO and in collaboration with national sections of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY).

Previously, Alireza Goldouzian in 2005 and Hasan Mousavi in 2019 (Might of the Fist) won the Grand Prize at this event. Additionally, Ghazal Fathollahi won the Golden Plaque in 2021 for You Are a Traveler.

We congratulate Noushin Sadeghian on winning this Grand Prize and wish her continued success in her artistic endeavors.

After 11 years of activity, the International Dolls Museum had to leave its home on the very day of its anniversary – which coincided with the International Day of Peace.
The property, a nearly historic house entrusted to us by the Municipality of Tehran, was taken back.

The Iran Dolls Museum consists of Museum of Iranian Dolls and Culture and International Dolls Museum is closed until further notice.

We are proud to announce that the project “The Role of Women in Iranian Mythology: Bridging Historical Narratives and Contemporary Movements” at the Museum of Iranian Dolls and Culture has been shortlisted among 25 inspiring global initiatives for the International Council of Museums - ICOM Award for Sustainable Development Practice in Museums (2025 edition).
It is the only shortlisted project from Iran and is endorsed by ICOM COMMS (former ICOM MPR)

This achievement is not the result of one individual, but the outcome of a collective effort. Many colleagues and friends contributed their knowledge, creativity, and hard work to make this project possible — their roles are briefly highlighted within the project description, and we are truly grateful for their support. 🙏

This recognition highlights how reviving female-centric myths can open spaces for dialogue on gender equality, cultural exchange, and environmental responsibility — showing how museums can indeed act as agents of change.

More: https://icom.museum/en/news/icom-award-shortlist-sustainable-development-practice-in-museums/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwMs0_9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp_tVK5sZlePM_9_5MMtU0BPlEkzI-mnjQUUIJqnnKIIIlGaR9nfpEOKKBV9U_aem_e8pYDhSZlSUK7V5V690SOA

با افتخار اعلام می‌کنیم که پروژه‌ی نقش زنان در اسطوره‌های ایرانی؛ پیوند روایت‌های تاریخی و جنبش‌های معاصر در موزه عروسک‌ها و فرهنگ ایران، در میان بیست و پنج پروژه الهام‌بخش جهانی، به فهرست نهایی جایزه شواری جهانی موزه‌ها یا ایکوم در زمینه‌ی توسعه پایدار در موزه‌ها امسال راه یافته است.
این پروژه تنها مورد انتخاب شده از کشور ایران است که توسط کمیته بین المللی ارتباطات، بازاریابی و مشارکت مخاطبان ایکوم معرفی شده است.

این افتخار تنها متعلق به یک نفر نیست؛ بلکه حاصل تلاش جمعی و همکاری دوستان و همکاران بسیاری است که هر یک نقشی اساسی در شکل‌گیری و اجرای این مسیر داشته‌اند. شرح مختصر مشارکت‌ها در بخش پروژه‌ها آورده شده است و قدردان همه همراهان عزیز هستیم.

این انتخاب نشان می‌دهد که بازخوانی روایت‌های زنانه در اسطوره‌ها می‌تواند بستری برای گفت‌وگو درباره برابری جنسیتی، تبادل فرهنگی و مسئولیت‌پذیری زیست‌محیطی باشد و موزه‌ها می‌توانند به‌راستی به کنشگران تغییر تبدیل شوند.

Happy International Museum Day!

When we say the Iran Dolls Museum is for all!
Our Doll Suitcase has travelled to Isfahan this time! 🥰

“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.” 🧑❤️

The Little Prince
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

The Little Prince Cabinet
Toys Gallery
Iran Dolls Museum

Speaking of Iranian Carpets! Did you know our collection is not limited to dolls only? We have a major collection of rugs, especially pictorial one! What do you is think the story behind this one? 🐴💂‍♀️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Greetings from Isfahan! This weekend our Doll Suitcase has travelled to the beautiful city of Isfahan, where you could meet second largest historical square of the world and mesmerizing 16th century architecture, along with amazing natural landscape!

Legends have deep roots in Iranian folklore, comprising narratives that depict human actions believed or perceived to have occurred in history. At the Iranian Dolls and Culture Gallery of the Iran Dolls Museum, we have captured legends with feminine origins. Can you guess the significance of this particular legend? 🧝‍♀️
As you may already know, Iran is renowned for its carpets!

Doll creation: Maryam Taheri

Happy Sunday! :) 😄