Barbie is taking New York City by storm for her 65^th anniversary. Where can you celebrate Barbie in Manhattan? I’ve got all the fashionable details for you.

Thanks to a collaboration between Illusion Projects and Mattel, The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) presents Barbie: A Cultural Icon. This exclusive East Coast engagement is on view from October 19–March 16, 2025. The exhibition tracks the 65 year history of the Barbie brand through the decades.

Barbie: A Cultural Icon Exhibit Details:

The exhibition details Barbie’s global impact on fashion and popular culture. The display of more than 250 vintage dolls and life-size fashion designs are sure to thrill the casual Barbie fan as well as serious doll collectors.  Also on view are highlights of Barbie’s style trends, careers and many of the identities that the ultimate trend setter has has embodied over the years. Past advertisements and exclusive interviews with the doll’s designers add a special layer into the mix.

The exhibition, curated by Karan Feder and drawn from the private collection of David Porcello and Mattel features more than 50 historical objects and five unique photo opportunities. The showstopper is a life-sized pink corvette that I cannot wait to pose like Barbara Millicent Roberts in!

The exhibit first debuted in 2021, welcoming thousands of visitors in both Phoenix and Las Vegas, but this is the only East Coast engagement. “We are tickled ‘pink’ to welcome Barbie to the MAD this fall,” said Tim Rodgers, Nanette L. Laitman Director, Museum of Arts and Design. “The Museum has long been interested in the cultural impact of art and design in all spheres, including pop culture. More than simply a toy for make-believe and role play, Barbie has responded to and reflected nearly every significant social advancement over the last six decades.”

Love Barbie?  Check out some more doll here and come back to Kid Congeniality for updates on all the fun weekly,.

Museum of Arts and Design:

Special events and a series of public programs will also be available during the exhibition. Official Barbie merchandise is on sale at The Store at MAD.

For more information and tickets you can visit madmuseum.org.
MAD is located at 2 Columbus Circle New York, NY 10019.