Housed in the very heart of the street known as “Spaccanapoli”, the Ospedale delle Bambole tells a story of emotions, memories, precious objects and tradition. This unique restoration centre was founded in 1895 by Luigi Grassi, a set designer for court and puppet theatres. One day, a mother came into his workshop with a broken doll in her arms and begged the craftsman to fix it. Luigi reassured the woman: her doll would be as good as new. The word got around quickly, and soon the workshop was filled with dolls to be repaired.

Four generations on, the restoration activity continues to be carried out by Tiziana Grassi together with Alessandra Colonna, “Medical Director” of the hospital. The “hospital wards” welcome many tender patients ready to be treated by this special team. Inside the restoration laboratory, visitors can see the doctors taking care of the dolls and talking with them, like real patients. After a few days in the hospital, the dolls are finally ready to go home and hug their beloved companions.