The Barry Art Museum’s new exhibition delves into Barbie’s historical roots and cultural impact, offering a nostalgic and celebratory look at the iconic doll.
A new exhibition at the Barry Art Museum at Old Dominion University, titled “Out of the Box: A Barbie Retrospective,” is challenging perceptions of the iconic Barbie doll by exploring her historical roots and impact as a design icon. The exhibition, which opened on March 7 and will continue until July 31, showcases the evolution of fashion dolls leading up to Barbie’s introduction and places her within a broader cultural context.
Curator of Art Sara Woodbury emphasized the optimism she hopes visitors will take away from the exhibition, stating, “What I hope visitors take from this exhibition is a sense of joy, because that’s what really struck me over the course of working on this show — the enthusiasm that so many people have for Barbie dolls.” Woodbury noted that while the exhibit offers a scholarly analysis of Barbie’s design history, it also aims to be a fun celebration of the doll’s legacy.
The exhibition is organized into two main sections: the history of fashion dolls and a dedicated space for Barbie herself. This format was intentionally designed to highlight the legacy of fashion dolls from the 19th and early 20th centuries, which paved the way for Barbie’s emergence in 1959. The museum has incorporated pieces from its permanent collection, featuring dolls crafted by notable designers such as Maison Huret and Madame Alexander to illustrate this historical progression.
A standout feature of the exhibit is a life-sized recreation of the Barbie Dream House from 1979, created by ODU’s theater program, which serves as an eye-catching entrance into the exhibit’s pink-themed section. Within Barbie’s realm, visitors can navigate a timeline that chronicles Barbie’s development over the decades, complemented by artifacts and information regarding influential designers like Jack Ryan, Charlotte Johnson, and Kitty Black Perkins.
Additionally, the exhibit includes adult-sized Barbie outfits modeled by Norfolk resident Beth Vinson, a former Mattel employee, and showcases a variety of Barbie dolls from local collectors. Another notable feature is a collection of Ken dolls set against a beach backdrop in reference to the recent Barbie movie.
“The exhibition’s keynote that Barbie is so much more than just a doll,” explained Sarah Serrano, the museum’s marketing and events manager. There are plans for various events throughout the spring and summer, such as film screenings, make-and-take workshops, and even a fashion show, aimed at further enriching visitor engagement beyond the display itself.
Visitors interested in exploring the depths of Barbie’s legacy can attend “Out of the Box: A Barbie Retrospective” at the Barry Art Museum located at 1075 W. 43rd Street in Norfolk. Featured upcoming events include Barbie’s Birthday Party on March 9, a screening of “Barbie as the Princess & the Pauper” on April 10, and a Barbie fashion show on April 11. More information about the exhibition and events can be found on the museum’s website.
Source: Noah Wire Services
