American Girl, a line of American dolls that debuted in 1986 and was created by Pleasant Company, has touched the lives of generations of girls across the country for nearly 40 years. The brand, now owned by American entertainment company Mattel, features 20 historical dolls, each of which were created in settings during various pivotal moments of U.S. history. From Melody, a young singer who defies racism in Detroit, Michigan during the American Civil Rights Movement, to Molly, an American girl on the “home front” during World War II, these dolls serve as a pathway for young girls to explore history and the world around them.
The toy company has released Girl of the Year dolls annually since 2003 as well as Truly Me dolls, which are meant to mirror their owners’ self-expression. These dolls have become ingrained within pop cultural symbols of “girlhood,” portraying young girls ranging from the ages of eight to 14. Wandering around the flagship store in Rockefeller Center, it’s clear that the brand’s iconography continues to hold immense weight within the contemporary generation of young girls.
The American Girl Store remains a place of joy and wonder for girls and women alike as the brand inspires them to be their best selves.
Apart from the dolls and accessories, there are a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy. The Rockefeller Center store includes a hair salon where girls and dolls alike can have their hair styled, ears pierced and nails done in bright designs. The iconic American Girl Cafe is located on the basement level, where dolls can accompany their owners to an exciting dining experience. Visitors without their own dolls can rent one for the duration of their meal to ensure they have a mini friend by their side in the notable pink high chairs.
The American Girl Store remains a place of joy and wonder for girls and women alike as the brand inspires them to be their best selves. As the toy landscape for young girls has shifted over the years, American Girl continues to stand the test of time as its cultural impact shines through.
CORRECTION: The print version of this article, released on March 13, incorrectly referred to Melody as a Civil Rights activist when noting her decision to speak out against racial discrimination. The article has been updated prior to online publication to reflect that Melody is a young singer who defies racism in Detroit, Michigan during the American Civil Rights Movement.
