it’s a small world

The Museum of International Folk Art houses the permanent exhibit of Alexander Girard with over 10,000 toys and figurines from around the world. It’s one of the most extensive collections of its kind. As a toy and product maker, my mind was blown seeing it in person. Anyone that works in the development or design fields should visit for culture, education, and inspiration.

Multiple Visions: A Common Bond has been the destination for well over a million first-time and repeat visitors to the Museum of International Folk Art. First, second, third, or countless times around, we find our gaze drawn by different objects, different scenes.

Just as impressive as the collection are the elaborate dioramas the characters are arranged in. The museum staff mentioned that Alexander and one other assistant spent 3-4 years painstakingly setting up each display in immaculate detail.

This one is remarkable for a reason that isn’t as obvious at a glance. The sculptures vary in size from about 1” in the background to the 7”- 8” in the foreground. It enhances a depth and drama to the storytelling that wouldn’t exist otherwise.

To take a Google 360 virtual tour of the exhibit, go here.