A visit to a ‘cultural icon’ by Sharon Lorenzo.
In 1956 Ruth and Elliott Handler saw an image in Germany of a female cartoon character, and they decided that they would introduce her into their toy business. They created a new doll called Barbie. They named March 9,1959 as her birthday. In 1961 they added a boyfriend for her named Ken and then in 1963 a friend named Midge and a sister in 1964 named Skipper. As the years have progressed, today the Barbie dolls have sold for over $1 billion dollars with many outfits and accoutrements. A film in 2023 took the toys into the media space and grossed a billion dollars at the box offices. Top designers like Diane Von Furstenberg are designing her outfits for this year and beyond.
Despite a bit of criticism for making her too curvy, Barbie has lasted as a model of 5 feet 9 inches at about 110 pounds with job outfits now for doctors, astronauts, and even pilots. Andy Warhol did a famous portrait of her in 1986.
The Museum of Arts and Design has given two floors to this show with even a car from the Barbie movie and a number of displays of all of her outfits and products. Black and Latina Barbies are now part of the family as well.
As a grandmother of seven, I am well aware that my three daughters and three granddaughters all love Barbie, and she is often in a suitcase on the airplanes as we vacation for the holidays.
In an age where women have been running large corporations like Pepsi, General Motors, Lockheed and General Dynamics, it is a treat to see how Mattel has embraced the progress of women in the world and marketplace. We have come a long way from finally getting the national vote in 1920! The director of the Museum, Tim Rodgers, was quoted as saying, ”We are tickled PINK to welcome Barbie to the MAD !”
The Museum of Arts and Design has a lovely café and gift shop, and a number of places to take selfies with Barbie. It is a fun place to visit with family of all ages. Enjoy !
2 Columbus Circle, New York, NY.
October 19, 2024, to March 16, 2025
Sources consulted:
- Website of the Museum of Arts and Design.
- Website of the Mattel Corporation.
- Wall Street Journal, January 4, 2025: Laura Jacobs, A Doll Down the Decades.
