Barbie Turns 60

If you’re expecting a large exhibit of Barbie dolls you’ll be very disappointed. THERE WERE NO BARBIE DOLLS IN THE EXHIBIT.

EXCERPT     “Barbie: Dreaming of a Female Future takes a critical look at Barbie on the occasion of her 60th anniversary. In the past six decades, Barbie’s many careers and enduring independence have influenced the dreams and imaginations of young people around the world. At the same time, her impossible appearance and physique promoted narrow and unattainable body ideals. This exhibition offers an immersive experience where visitors can explore their relationship with Barbie through a reimagined, modern dream house.”

Opinions are yours. Everybody has one or more. 

(I've highlighted the areas of the museum's description in the excerpt above to correspond to my opinions below of the presentation.)

For me the display was just that...a depiction of  Barbie’s Dream House . I saw nothing representing Barbie’s many careers and how it has "influenced the dreams and imaginations...".  There have been many careers/themes of Barbie over the years. According to Mattel she has had over 200.   In actuality it was the same doll wearing a new costume with additional costumes and props to fit the theme. 

At this exhibit I  saw no careers displayed.  I found most of it to be a smorgasbord of various artists giving their rendition of the  Barbie Dream House with it's shallowness and girliness  lumping it all in the gallery.

Panoramic view

Naturally children wanted to touch. Visitors could touch anything except pictures on the wall.

Everything on this table was glued down.

There were short films of  unusual Barbies and Kens in various  situations 

mostly unflattering. One showed Barbie asleep in the car with her mouth

open, showing all of her teeth, snoring. Meanwhile Ken is driving and  isn't pleased

with how the date is going.   The real Barbie shows only her top teeth when she smiles.

I found this wallpaper interesting. This is a closeup of it from the above picture.

Dressing table 

Glitter chair and mirror frame made from  recycled plastic

There was a  Scavenger Hunt sheet available if you wanted to find the items listed in the pictures. I did.

Barbie's physique has been a topic of discussion . It's felt that the doll gives young girls the idea that they should strive to look the same.  Bombarded by social media, magazines, pop stars and the like have made some youngsters feel inadequate and question their self worth. Positive role models of all shapes, sizes, colors and reassurance that everyone is different is necessary for young people in today's world.

At age 60 Barbie might possibly look like this.

And it's okay. True friends love you no matter what.

That's it***