Building a 200 sqm museum came with its challenges, especially with the delays caused by COVID-19 and supply shortages. Still, by mid-2022, the sbuilding was complete. Over the following year, the family pitched in to create displays, organize the collection, and bring Mum’s dream to life.
Today, the museum houses approximately 3,800 dolls, along with countless toys, household items, and dollhouses, plus other unique items that are waiting for their turn in the spotlight.
When I returned home in January 2023, I was working in real estate and had seen firsthand the difficult decisions families faced when dealing with deceased estates or transitioning loved ones into care. This experience made me realize that preserving our own family’s collection was important.
Dad had already expressed concerns about how the collection was only documented on paper and wanted it digitized. After thorough research, I realized that the available cataloguing software was either too limited or owned by external companies, —not ideal for something as large and personal as this collection.
That’s when the idea struck: we needed to create our own website and digital archive.
With Dad’s support, I began developing the website in July 2024, and by November, the design phase was in full swing. Our goal was clear:
✔️ Preserve the collection digitally
✔️ Make it accessible to collectors, historians, and enthusiasts worldwide
✔️ Ensure that Mum’s passion lives on for generations
Today, My Doll Cottage isn’t just a museum—it’s a tribute to Mum’s lifelong love for dolls and toys, a preservation of family history, and a way to connect with a global community of collectors.
📌 Visit our online museum today!
📌 Follow us on social media for updates and featured collections!
📌 Share your own collection stories with us!
With love
Shyloh
Tales from the youngest daughter of a doll collector — raised on Milo, Vegemite, and more antiques than a country op shop.
