the great american dollhouse museum

I've always loved miniatures. There's something magical about tiny replications of history and life. Lori has done an amazing job of gathering dollhouses in a clever, museum style way so that you can peek into each room and transport yourself back in time. The houses are placed up on tables to make viewing through plexiglass more convenient. The first set when you enter the large open room of a former armory focuses on a historical timeline. I loved the underground railroad rooms. Then, the center of the museum is designed like a fictional town, with residential houses and rooms, shops, and commercial buildings. Each room is filled with miniatures designed/donated by other enthusiasts. Some are very old. Younger visitors might enjoy the fantasy space with trolls and such, but our favorites were the market shops and 1950's kitchen in the regular area.It was a treat to relax and walk slowly through - delighted to dream. My husband came with me and enjoyed the "technical" side of all the work done in these creative vignettes.Locally owned and operated, they have done a nice job of sharing their passion with others. There's also a store with 1000's of tiny items to choose from. Prices are average. We padi $8 to enter and were happy to help support their business.

This little museum is a true National Treasure! This was my first visit.... and will not be my last. The doll houses on exhibit were stunning, but the way the displays were presented made this far and away a "must see". I'm originally from Michigan and am used to the quality standard of the Henry Ford museum and Greenfield Village, this museum delivers the same quality without Uncle Henry's wallet.

I'd been to the museum many years ago but revisited this month with my boyfriend, who's not from the area of Danville. He was a little hesitant because he had really never heard of a dollhouse museum but loved it! I think it's something really unique to Danville, and whether you're a boy or girl and no matter what age-- you'll find something that peaks your interest! Not only are the dollhouses beautifully put together, there's something to learn and there's so many little details that make these stories come to life! If you have children or out of town guests, this is a perfect treat for anyone that is truly unique to our community!

Neat little place for a visit. I took my girls there and of course they loved all the miniature displays etc. Great place for a collector and dollhouse enthusiast. There is a nice little gift shop and almost anything you want is for sale.

How often do you hear an 8 yr old say "oh!" And "ah!" over and over In one place? We had a wonderful visit to this Dollhouse Museum. It is a massive collection of doll houses and fun stories that leave the imagination to run wild. We spent a good part of our afternoon peaking into the lives of these stories and spent a good amount of time in the store as well. There is even a play area for the little ones, can't beat that. We really enjoyed spending an afternoon there and will be visiting again.

My girlfriend wanted to go here as she is an avid dollhouse collector, creator etc. I didn't want to go, but it was her birthday so we went-me begrudgingly. Anyway, the owner was terrific and gave us some suggestions about the museum and the shop. I was surprised that I liked it as much as I did. The beginning part takes you thru some American history including representations of life in the 1600's, into the 18th century, spends time detailing life on the underground railroad and then into the depression etc. They have a wonderful display of Shakertown and provide information about what life was like for Shakers (Shakertown is close by and well worth a visit as well). There then is a city that tells a story about a wedding that the town is preparing for. There also is a fantasy (fairies and elves etc.) section. I did not really like this part and would have preferred it if they would have detailed Kentucky life like the coal industry and some other things that make Kentucky special. The store had a lot to choose from. My girlfriend could have stayed here for hours-and she did. I did get a little bored with that, but that's really more about her than the shop. Anyway, I would recommend visiting this if you are in the area even for people like myself who aren't into dollhouses the craftsmanship and the history that is portrayed makes the visit worth it. If you are a dollhouse collector, well you will be in heaven!

The houses are grouped into theme areas depicting different eras in American life and some fantastical. Each tells a story that illustrates a period of time, in minute detail. For example there is one exhibit which shows a beautiful house of a wealthy family. The family is quickly hiding runaway slaves into the attic and a crawl space while seemingly carrying on their more public life. The towns, businesses and homes tell a story of the inhabitants in a humorous interesting way. I came back the next day to bring more family. Worth going out of your way.

We didn't have much time on our drive north, but the side trip was definitely worth it! Lori and her elves have done an outstanding job of telling a story by merging artisan, perfectly in scale pieces with antique and collectible pieces in many different scales. The museum is always changing, as she finds new (old!) items and fits them into the timeline. I am really looking forward to seeing what she is able to do with the Noel & Pat Thomas house that arrived recently. Lori is always willing to stop and chat - sorry I could only spend a little while on this trip. The shop has some interesting "finds" in it too! 1-2 hours is a minimum visit, but I could happily have stayed longer.

I adore this place. It is fun, friendly, and worth a second visit! Lots to see and a huge selection of items for your own dollhouses.

We recently took our 6 year old granddaughter to see the dollhouses. She loved all of the exhibits, but fell in love with the "Forest" part.. We spent about an hour looking at the various dollhouses. After, there were dollhouses for her to play with. There are all kinds of miniature things to buy for dollhouse lovers at very reasonable prices. This museum could be enjoyed by various ages. There is also a large collection of beautiful period dresses. I can't wait to go back with our 8 year old granddaughter. My husband loved the museum as well, and was very impressed with the attention to detail in all of the exhibits.

This was on my daughter's top five things to do as we visited KY for the first time, it was out of our way and I wasn't expecting much - boy was I surprised!! And thrilled and totally in love with miniatures by the time we left. I started to question the Google directions as we turned through residential areas, but there it was it - housed in the town's old National Guard building. Be sure to check out the building's bones and salvaged church lighting fixtures. Lori Kagan-Moore, the owner/curator, was welcoming, funny and friendly - and obviously very talented. The museum displays we creative and entertaining. The beginning models walk you through history, Each contained so much detail, it is best to look at each twice - I guarantee you will find new treasurers with each new look.The museum was half the fun - the store was the other half. Although we are not big dollhouse collectors (didn't actually own one), we shopped the store for additions to my daughter's custom-made barn for Breyer horses. Lori was simply wonderful. We stayed a full three hours (more than twice the time I assumed this visit would take!). We left with bags of goodies and my mom left with a steal of a vintage 1920's rustic dollhouse. It was so worth rearranging the car for our trip back to DC. So, in short - GO, you will not be disappointed.

I love this place! I have been here several times since they first opened due to my previous job, but coming back for leisure/fun made me love it even more. What gets me is the attention to detail, the stories that comes together. This place is so intricate and beautiful! It is a must see and the Lori (the owner) is wonderful! You can tell that she is authentic and just an all around great lady! The cost is very affordable, but be prepared to be in the museum for a long period of time-there is A LOT to see!

This was very neat!! Definitely recommend stopping by this little museum when you're in Danville. The prices arent bad at all, and theres so much cool stuff to look at. I wish i would have had some dollhouses like these when I were a little girl! It would have been a dream come true to go visit that place when I was little. Must visit.

This is such an interesting attraction from the moment you enter there's so much to see. You must have time to focus and digest all the beautiful stories being told about times gone by to the present. The displays are beautifully arranged to tell historical accounts of past events to modern day era. The details in these displays takes one to a place of calm and wonder. Take your restroom break before entering because like me you don't want to stop looking. A variety of cultures are represented as well as religion,various occupations,and common interest. There is also a section of castle houses and a bit of interactive pauses for young children. If you're into doll houses all the materials one would need are there including fabrics. I was definitely in awe and will visit again. My visit took two plus hours and I could have stayed longer. Lori,the proprietor was a gracious guide into the life of doll houses.

I've been to the Dollhouse Museum every time I've been to Danville. I love it. I see something new and interesting every time. I am fascinated by the skill, the imagination, and the effort that go into each display. I've taken someone new every time and they love it as much as I do. It is always the highlight of my trips to Danville.