Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House: A Miniature Masterpiece at Windsor Castle

Located within Windsor Castle, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is far more than a simple toy. This extraordinary, large-scale dollhouse, built between 1920 and 1924 for Queen Mary, wife of King George V, depicts the life of British aristocracy in the 1920s through stunning 1:12 scale miniatures.

Designed by renowned British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, its creation involved over 1,500 artists, craftsmen, and manufacturers. The house features running water, electric lighting, and working lifts, with every room meticulously furnished from the wine cellar to the grand saloons.

The Dolls’ House holds true treasures: a library with miniature, hand-illustrated books by authors like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and A. A. Milne (with 20 new modern manuscripts added in 2024), over 750 miniature artworks, and numerous household items including a working sewing machine and vacuum cleaner. There are even miniature Crown Jewels adorned with real gems, and a wine cellar filled with tiny bottles containing actual spirits. A pull-out garage houses luxury car miniatures, and a beautiful miniature garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll completes the estate.

This dollhouse was originally a gift from the nation to Queen Mary, intended as a showcase of British craftsmanship and innovation, serving as a “time capsule” for future generations. It was a sensation at the 1924 British Empire Exhibition, raising significant funds for charity. Since 1925, it has been one of Windsor Castle’s most popular attractions, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.

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