Barbie Takes Over the Museum of Arts and Design: A Luncheon to Celebrate an Icon

What better way to celebrate Barbie’s incredible 65-year legacy than with a glamorous luncheon at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) to kick off the museum’s newest exhibition, Barbie®: A Cultural Icon, guests enjoyed a private guided tour and some seriously inspiring conversations about what makes Barbie more than just a doll.

The day started with MAD Senior Curator Barbara Paris Gifford leading an exclusive tour of the exhibit, which dives into Barbie’s evolution from her debut in 1959 to her modern reinvention. From rare vintage dolls to stunning fashion collabs and immersive multimedia displays, the collection shows how Barbie has influenced—and reflected—our culture in so many ways.

Over lunch, MAD Director Tim Rodgers and Chair Emerita Barbara Tober shared their thoughts on what makes Barbie such a cultural powerhouse. Tim nailed it when he said, “Barbie is much more than a toy—she’s a reflection of society. She captures our cultural evolution—the good, the bad, and everything in between.” Barbara added, “To see her whole story laid out like this is exciting, historical, and anthropological. It’s amazing to showcase such an important cultural narrative.”

Of course, the event wouldn’t have been complete without a VIP guest list full of creatives, fashionistas, and socialites who came to celebrate the ultimate style icon. Guests included Sydney Barrows, Kelly Bensimon, Karen E. Burke, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Joan Hardy Clark, Amy Fine Collins, Machine Dazzle, John “Lypsinka” Epperson, Fe Saracino Fendi, Antonia Franceschi, Ashlee Rose Hartley, Harry Hill, Sharon King Hoge, LaVon Kellner, Karen Klopp, Helen Little, Laura Lobdell, M.G. Lord, Lauren Lovette, Fern Mallis, Gillian M. McCain, Richard McGeehan, B. Michael and Mark Anthony Edwards, Nicole Miller, Wendy Moonan, Tinu Naija, Liane Pei, Cheril R. Riley, Faanya L. Rose, Liesl Schillinger, Suzzane Slesin and Michael Steinberg, Kay Unger Pitman, Barbara Waldman, and Bettina L. Zilkha.

Nicole Miller, Liliana Cavenish and Karen Klopp

The exhibit, Barbie®: A Cultural Icon, runs through March 16th at Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), and it’s a must-see. Whether you’re a longtime Barbie fan or just curious about how this little doll has become such a big deal, the exhibition will give you plenty to think about—and maybe even a little nostalgia.

Grab your tickets here, and don’t miss the chance to experience Barbie’s world in all its fabulous glory!