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Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum & Library: A Nostalgic Journey

Discover a world of dolls and teddy bears at Santa Barbara's charming museum and research library. A nostalgic experience for all ages!

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The Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum & Library in Santa Barbara houses a vast collection of dolls and teddy bears, offering visitors a nostalgic trip through childhood. Founded in 2005 by Susan and Terence Quinlan, the museum showcases thousands of items, including historical and contemporary pieces, artist dolls, and teddy bears, alongside a research library with over 10,000 books.

A brief summary to Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum & Library

  • Monday 11 am-5 pm
  • Friday 11 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the holidays for special shopping and free gifts at the Museum Gift Shop.
  • Check the museum's website or call ahead to confirm opening hours, as they are limited.
  • Take advantage of the free 75-minute parking at the 50 W. Canon Perdido St. garage.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you're in downtown Santa Barbara, the museum is easily accessible on foot. From the Santa Barbara Courthouse, walk southwest on Anapamu St toward State St, turn left onto State St, then right onto W Canon Perdido St. The museum will be on your right at 122 W Canon Perdido St. This walk takes about 15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take the MTD (Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District) bus. Routes 1, 2, or 6 will get you close to downtown. From the Santa Barbara Airport, take the 11 or 20 bus to the State St & W Canon Perdido St stop. Walk one block east on W Canon Perdido St to the museum at 122 W Canon Perdido St. A one-way fare is approximately $1.75.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From the Santa Barbara train station, a taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) to the museum will cost approximately $10-$20, depending on traffic. Input the destination as 'Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum & Library, 122 W Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101'.

  • Parking

    Driving to the museum, take the Carrillo St exit from Highway 101 and follow the signs. There is 75-minute street parking and free parking at the 50 W. Canon Perdido St garage. Metered street parking typically costs around $1.50 per hour after the initial free period.

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Discover more about Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum & Library

Step into a world of nostalgia at the Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum & Library, a hidden gem in downtown Santa Barbara. Founded in 2005 by Susan and Terence Quinlan, this museum boasts one of the largest displays of dolls and teddy bears in the United States. The museum features thousands of dolls and teddy bears displayed in glass cases, with themed galleries inspired by literature and cultural heritage. The museum's collection includes historical and contemporary dolls, artist dolls, and teddy bears. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing Native American dolls, Spanish dancer dolls, Russian dolls, and Japanese dolls in kimonos. There are also displays of fairy tale characters, Disney characters, and celebrity dolls, such as Elvis Presley and Harry Potter. Boys will enjoy the galleries featuring Star Wars, Star Trek, and Power Rangers action figures. Beyond the dolls and teddy bears, the museum also houses a research library with over 10,000 books and periodicals related to dolls, dollhouses, and teddy bears. The library is available for research by appointment. Visitors can also enjoy a complimentary cup of tea or coffee in the tea room, which features pastel-colored murals of teddy bears picnicking in Santa Barbara. Susan Quinlan, the museum's founder, often gives personal tours and shares her knowledge of dolls and teddy bears.

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