Welcome!
We are a new miniature museum working to open in early 2025 in Salem, Oregon, to share the art of miniatures!
Planned exhibits include:
- Architecture in Miniature - renditions of American Architecture that contain replicas of real homes and representations of styles from Victorian to Craftsman to Chicago Bungalow, all in 1:12 scale. Whether it be a ranch house modeled after a childhood home in north LA, to a craftsman style built after a house in NE Portland, to a beautiful tudor home built “because she wanted to”, be amazed at the creativity of people.
- Main Street - imagine a miniature bakery or a lumber store to offices, and enjoy real life in miniature settings while you marvel at the tiny scale our lives can be created in.
- Historical Dollhouses - from Tootsie Toys to Keystone to Tomy to Battat, children have played with tiny houses for decades. Come see examples of these, along with custom dollhouses, lovingly created for children who are now… grandparents.
- Dollhouses as Canvases - before laser cut kits, people used plan books from Albert Neely Hall or Betsy McCall, to many others. Additionally, master miniature craftspeople like the Pat and Noel Thomas, or Sally and Clell Boyce, created (and finished) wood shells. Enjoy comparing two builders’ approaches to the Josiah Golden, and look in awe at the artisanry of some of Clell Boyce’s first Joseph Angel and Josiah Golden dollhouses, acquired from the Joseph Angel estate. Be amazed at the five-foot tall Swiss Chalet, full of amazing woodworking and get out your magnifying glass to properly see a miniature sitting room in 1:144 scale.
As part of our mission to inspire new miniaturists by sharing the art of miniatures, we hope to grow the miniature community in the Pacific Northwest and across the country. We are grateful for those that have donated pieces, shared knowledge and time, adopted a building to finish, or have shared kind words. There is still a LOT to do to make this museum a reality.
Please get in touch with us below if you are interested in helping. Our miniature community has an incredible large heart.
House Stories
Capturing the history of this art is a true honor. Some houses are modeled after real homes, while others are built from the houses in our hearts. Where possible, we capture the history of the people behind these tiny homes to share with you.
Where the magic happens
Having outgrown the dining room table, we moved the tools and houses to a proper workspace to continue to lovingly rehab the houses of yesteryear.
Attention to Detail
Many of our houses are unique pieces of art and have had countless hours put into them to make them what they are. It’s only fitting to share these beautiful pieces of love-filled art.
Work in Progress
Houses come to us in all stages of completion. Houses like this one allow the development of miniature craftsman skills while honoring the initial work. This is a replica of a home in Texas.
My Collection
I have loved dollhouses since my grandparents built one when I was 10 years old! As an adult, while working and raising my daughters, I remained fascinated. I love architecture started acquiring unique dollhouses over the years, with a crazy dream of creating a neighborhood one day, an idea which has grown into creating a museum to share the fascinating art of all things miniature! With the support of Saint Husband, my family, and some amazing friends, we are stepping towards making this museum a reality!
