It's a Small World Afterall

If you love miniatures as much as we do, it’s always exciting to see people take it to the next level. While miniatures can seem like more of a niche hobby or passion, you’ll see below that mini lovers aren’t just keeping it small. Do you have anyone creating bigger projects with minis in your community? Keep spreading the love, big and small!

Michigan – Fairy Doors of Ann Arbor
The first Fairy Door appeared outside of a local coffee shop, Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 2005 and was installed by Jonathan Wright. Fairy doors would magically appear and disappear in libraries, schools, or other local stores. One even showed up in a neighboring town on the base of a tree. Jonathan Wright even wrote a book called “Who’s Behind the Fairy Doors”. At least ten of Jonathan’s Fairy Doors installed around downtown Ann Arbor remain. His work inspired others to create Fairy Door installations in their cities. For more information on the Fairy Doors of Ann Arbor, click here.

Atlanta – Tiny Doors ATL
Inspired by the Fairy Doors in her hometown of Ann Arbor, artist Karen Anderson, founded Tiny Doors ATL. Tiny Doors ATL is a public art project based on the belief that everyone should have access to free art. Hidden in plain sight around Atlanta’s east side, passersby can’t help but stop to get a closer look at these whimsical miniature doors. The nonprofit art project inspires adults and children alike and helps build a sense of community in the area. Currently, Tiny Doors ATL has ten doors placed around Atlanta. For more information, click here.

Chicago – Thorne Miniature Rooms
Created by Mrs. James Ward Thorne between 1932 and 1940, The Thorne Miniature Rooms has to be one of the most notorious miniature collections in the world. Mrs. Thorne created 68 individual rooms with elements of European interiors from the late 3th century to the 1930s and American furnishing from the 17th century to the late 1930s. The rooms can be seen at The Art Institute of Chicago. For more information, click here.

Chicago – Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle
Famous actress Colleen Moore created her ultimate dream doll house in 1928. With over 100 people working on her Fairy Castle, the house took seven years to finish. The Fairy Castle featuring over one thousand miniatures and costing about $500,000 is nothing short of magical. You can see Colleen Moore’s dollhouse at the Museum of Science and Industry Chicago. For more information on Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle, click here.

London, England – Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
Built for Queen Mary in 1921 by a famous British architect, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is a miniature replica of an aristocratic home. Not only does the house include electricity, but also running water, toilets, and an elevator! You can see the house at Windsor Castle. For more information about Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House click here.

Elancourt, France – France Miniature
Not in France for long? Not far from Paris, France Miniature is a theme park where you can basically see the entire country of France in under three hours and in miniature. The park, in the shape of France, has everything from the most important castles and monuments to smallest French villages. There’s even a place to have a picnic and a couple of amusement park rides for the kiddos. For more information, click here.

Shenzhen, China – Window of the World
Window of the World is a theme park in Shenzhen, China with 130 miniature replicas of the world’s greatest tourist attractions. From the Eiffel Tower to the Taj Mahal to the Statue of Liberty, this theme park is not only the perfect place for miniacs, but it’s also a great way to see the wonders of the world all in one day! Park goers should expect to be there for a minimum of four hours. For more information, click here.