All you need to know about the Doll Hospital in Lisbon

The summer is over, and the coziest months of the year are on their way, which means that you will spend more time indoors. When it’s cold outside, people rather do indoor activities, like visiting museums, exhibitions, or original and unusual places. In today’s article, I want to introduce you to a particular location in Lisbon, the Doll Hospital! It is a lovely place you will thoroughly enjoy if you’re looking for something different to visit away from the touristy crowds.

I will be introducing you to the history of Lisbon’s Doll Hospital and share with you the reasons why it is such a special place you need to see.

A little about Lisbon’s Doll Hospital history

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© Lojas com História

During the nineteenth century, the Praça da Figueira was an open air market where fruits, vegetables and food of all types were sold. On the west side of the square, an old lady called Dona Carlota, used to sell dry herbs and spices. To pass time and to make children smile, she enjoyed making rag dolls and mending the ones people brought to her. In no time and in such a spontaneous way, Dona Carlota funded the Doll Hospital in 1830!

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© Hospital de Bonecas

Nowadays, in our consumer society, we can get whatever toy or doll we want whenever and wherever we want. There are countless toyshops! If our child breaks one of his favorite toys, we just need to quickly go to the store where we bought it and get a new one. This plastic society mass-produces, making sure we keep buying and don’t lack anything! But it has not always been this way. A few centuries ago, if a child broke the face of his porcelain doll, his train locomotive or lost one of his teddy bear’s eyes, it was a tragedy! Because each toy was handmade and unique. The Lisbon’s Doll Hospital reason of being was more than justified!

This place was the solution to your children sadness for breaking their toy and still is. Today, it still serves the same purpose. If you have a childhood stuffed animal, a doll or any kind of toy that needs to be restored, bring it to Lisbon Doll’s Hospital and it will be as good as new. Even if you’re not bringing any doll or toy, this place is still worth the visit, because the Doll Hospital is such a unique place!

Why is the Doll Hospital special?

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© Lisboa Cool

At Lisbon’s Doll Hospital, both children and adults will spend a lovely time. This place is a world apart, where dolls and toys restorations are made. The museum of the Doll Hospital is home to an incredible collection of unique toys that will allow you to time travel. It is impossible to not feel a bit of nostalgy while visiting this place. You will also get to learn a bit more about children’s traditional games and find out that it is possible to get your childhood favorite doll back.

Over two centuries, some of the donated dolls and toys were repaired, gathered and put into display in their museum. The entrances only costs two euros and every traveler, even the Lisbon locals, should know about this place to remember their childhood.

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© Lojas com História

Each and one of us have a doll, a toy or a stuffed animal that brings memories from our childhood. It may be forgotten, hidden in a box or in a drawer, but everytime we come across it, it always reminds us of moments when we were just kids. The Doll Hospital is a unique place, because each doll or toy tells a story, it shares the story of a child. These stories may be sweet, or may be bitter, but they are part of the adults we are now. I think both adults and children will enjoy this place where every item is one-of-a-kind. Plus, in case you’re traveling with your child, it will be a great opportunity to share a few memories of your childhood and let them know how childhood has changed over the last centuries.

If I still haven’t managed to convince you to visit Lisbon’s Doll Hospital, located in Praça da Figueira, you should at least head to this square and go to the Confeitaria Nacional and try one of the best bolo-rei, a traditional Portuguese cake! I find it kind of similar to a fruitcake, but the texture is actually pretty different from it.

How to get there

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© CML | DMC | DPC | José Vicente 2018

Lisbon’s Doll Hospital is located at Praça da Figueira, 7 and it is open everyday but on Sundays. It opens at 10 am and closes at 7 pm. Only a few steps away from Praça do Rossio, if you’re looking for something fun and different to do, visit the Doll Hospital. The entrance only costs two euros!

Besides restoring damaged dolls and toys, they make Carnival costumes and disguises as well, in case you’re interested!

You now know a little more about Lisbon’s Doll Hospital! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article and that it has inspired and encouraged you to visit this place! Lisbon is filled with plenty of “curiosity stores” that you cannot miss, the Doll Hospital is definitely one of them! While visiting its museum, you will get to see plenty of different sized toys and dolls, different shapes, all these faces looking back at you. It is a place you will enjoy to visit, and I’m sure your photos taken there will be pretty amazing and will surely look very good on your social media pages.

Away from the touristy crowds, this Doll Hospital is mostly known only by the locals. If you’re looking for more genuine experiences while in Lisbon, make sure to visit this kind of places. Another great way to explore, discover and get to know the more authentic aspects of Lisbon culture, history and lifestyle is to follow a local guide during a walking tour. Check our walking tours here! Our guides love their city and want to make sure the travelers get to experience the best of Lisbon, so trust them and follow them in one of our tours. If you need further information about anything, don’t hesitate to contact us! See you soon in Lisbon!

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