Explore the wonderland of intricate treasures at the House of Broel Foundation's Dollhouse Museum, located on the beautiful second floor. Dozens of high style and handcrafted dollhouses and miniature vignettes, each finished to perfection with lovely furnishings and opulent decor, fill the space. The museum features the largest collection of historically accurate scale model mansions, houses, shops, and vignettes created by a single artist, Bonnie Broel. The collection includes elaborately costumed period figures and decor, making it a must-see for anyone interested in miniatures.
The second floor also showcases the magnificent antiques collected by Ms. Broel over the years, including a French desk made for the Duke of Dresden in 1850, a piece of linen from Egypt that is over 2000 years old, a chandelier with hand-blown grapes cascading from its arms, and the display of Ms. Broel's father's frog farm.
To schedule a tour of the charming Mansion and Gardens, which offer an unparalleled setting for Weddings, Receptions, and Parties, call (504) 522-2220 or (504) 494-2220. You can also view our gallery for a closer look at our collection.
Tours are available by appointment only.
Click here to view our gallery for a closer look!
Testimonial
"When Alyssa & I went to visit Miss Bonnie Broel's famous dollhouses, I didn't realize the fascination that would follow into other areas. She signed a copy of her book for me and we left with that and some candles she had and a picture of us with her. A year later I began to read the book. Assuming it would be a biographical read, I saved it for a time when I could read a chapter or two at a time figuring I would move on to other things in between. As I began to read it, I couldn't put it down. It draws you in like a fantastically written fictional work yet it is her history! Beginning in Russia with her dad in the Russian Empire and traveling through Frog Farming, Fashion, Dollhouses, and the House of Broel itself. It is quite a New Orleans tale and it made me admire her all the more.
The day Alyssa and I were there, I climbed the stairs to the 2nd floor and caught a glimpse of the 10 foot high 12 foot long Russian Palace Dollhouse. She hadn't wanted us to see it yet but she stopped and laughed at how excited I was. She said "I love your enthusiasm. The look on your face was that of a small child seeing what Santa Claus left on Christmas morning. Many adults lose that early in life. Don't ever lose that. It just made my day."
I know that my enthusiasm for things is child like and Miss Bonnie made me realize what a gift it is to be nearly 50 and still have the child like wonder and enthusiasm for all things. I will never forget the words she said and in some ways it changed my life. I knew right then that it was okay to be me. To be obsessed over the excitement of life. To be wide eyed at dollhouses and scenery and yes even football games!
Reading her book I am wide eyed and drawn in like a child entering a story book and becoming the character.
Thank you Bonnie once again. For your words, your dollhouses, your book, your fashion and your heart. You are a muse to so many."
Deanna D. Duke
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Discover the inspirational life of Ms. Bonnie Broel, fashion industry veteran and ordained interfaith minister, through her book "HOUSE OF BROEL, The Inside Story."
Learn about her noble family and her historic New Orleans Garden District home in a captivating read that will leave you inspired.
Get your copy now for only $24.95 (plus $5.05 shipping and handling) per book. To order, simply make a check payable to The House of Broel Foundation and send it to 2220 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130. You can also order by phone or with a credit card by visiting http://www.houseofbroelfoundation.org or by calling (504) 494-2220.