The iconic Barbie doll has found a new home in New York City with the latest exhibit at the Museum of Arts and Design, “Barbie: A Cultural Icon.” The exhibit offers an immersive journey through Barbie’s history and her impact on fashion, culture and society.
Since her debut in 1959, Barbie has evolved from a simple fashion doll to a global phenomenon. Created by Ruth Handler, Barbie has undergone countless transformations, adapting to changing cultural trends and reflecting the growing aspirations of generations of young girls. From astronaut to president, Barbie has worn many hats, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes along the way.
The exhibit at the Museum of Arts and Design showcases a stunning collection of vintage Barbies from different eras, highlighting the doll’s evolution over the decades. Visitors can marvel at designer collaborations, featuring couture Barbie outfits created by renowned fashion designers. Interactive installations and multimedia displays offer a hands-on experience, allowing visitors to engage with Barbie’s world in a unique and exciting way.
Curators of the exhibit put a lot of effort into each section to showcase Barbie’s influence on pop culture and gender norms. One of the standout features is a section dedicated to Barbie’s role in promoting diversity and inclusion. With dolls representing different races, ethnicities and body types, Barbie has made strides in reflecting the diverse world we live in today.
The layout is thoughtfully designed to guide attendees through Barbie “herstory,” with each section offering a new perspective on the doll’s impact.
Barbie’s impact on fashion is undeniable. Over the decades, she has collaborated with renowned fashion designers like Bob Mackie, Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang, bringing haute couture to the toy aisle. These designer collaborations have made Barbie a trendsetter, influencing fashion styles and trends. The exhibit showcases a collection of these collaborations, highlighting her role as a fashion icon.
Adding to the resurgence of Barbie’s popularity is the summer 2023 release of the “Barbie,” starring Margot Robbie. The film, which became a cultural phenomenon, grossed over $1.38 billion at the box office. Robbie’s portrayal of Barbie, along with the film’s vibrant music and humor, has reinvigorated interest in the iconic doll. Music artists and drag queens have also embraced Barbie’s legacy. Artists like Nicki Minaj use their music to celebrate self-confidence and empowerment, themes that resonate with Barbie’s brand. Drag Queens like Trixie Mattel have also incorporated Barbie into their brand, showcasing the doll’s influence on the artistry.
As you begin on the fourth floor, you can expect a memorable experience as you explore the exhibit. My personal favorite part of the exhibit was the “Careers Today” showcase because it’s culturally relevant to roles women play in society today. This section of the exhibit highlights the role women play in the push for equality in diverse industries. Now it’s no longer a societal norm or requirement for women to remain in subservient positions. Now women can be leaders, teachers and prominent innovators. I find this especially relevant given the recent presidential race with Vice President Kamala Harris.
The layout is thoughtfully designed to guide attendees through Barbie “herstory,” with each section offering a new perspective on the doll’s impact. As you finish the exhibit on the fifth floor, you continue to learn more about the relationship between Barbie and Mattel, from the beginning of their first doll through the evolving culture of the past few decades.
One of the standout features of Barbie is her role in promoting diversity and inclusion. In recent years, Barbie has made significant strides in representing different races, ethnicities and body types. This commitment to diversity has made Barbie a beloved figure in minority communities, where children can see themselves reflected in their dolls.
Barbie has also become a symbol of inclusion for people with disabilities. The introduction of Barbies with wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs and hearing aids has been a groundbreaking step in making the toy more inclusive. These dolls promote awareness while opening up representation and inclusion for children with disabilities. Barbie’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extends to dolls with vitiligo and dolls that challenge traditional beauty standards, further solidifying her role as a cultural icon. The exhibit features so much rich history and a diverse range of dolls so that everyone visiting feels represented and seen.
Walking through the exhibit really made me reflect on the state of our country and society now. While there have been many milestones for women, it still feels like the country is exactly where it was when the first Barbie was created. Growing up, Barbie was often seen as a symbol of femininity and perfection, a toy that many of my female friends played with. However, stepping into this exhibit, I realized that Barbie’s influence transcends gender. It made me reflect on how societal expectations shape us from a young age. For boys, the pressure to conform to traditional masculinity can be just as stifling as the ideals Barbie once represented for girls.
For me, this exhibit is about more than a doll; it’s about the journey towards a more inclusive and accepting society. It made me think about how we, as young adults, are shaping and being shaped by these evolving ideals. The exhibit reminded me that toys like Barbie are more than just playthings — they’re cultural artifacts that tell a story about who we are and who we aspire to be.
The exhibit runs until March 2025, and tickets can be purchased online or at the museum.