Barbie Dreamhouse Takes Over New York’s Museum of Arts and Design for Iconic MAD Ball

(L-R) Daniel Walters, Polina Proshkina, Alexander Hankin, Jack James and Roman Chiporukha and Erica Jackowitz

New York’s Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) was transformed into a dazzling Barbie Dreamhouse for their annual benefit, the MAD Ball, featuring a vibrant pink-themed celebration. The event also marked the launch of the museum’s latest exhibition, Barbie®: A Cultural Icon, and honored Robert Best, VP of Barbie Product Design at Mattel. The evening’s entertainment featured Madonna’s 12-year-old daughter, DJ Queen Estere, performing with DJ Mary Mac in a set that remixed hits by Whitney Houston and Usher, as guests dressed as Barbies and Kens danced the night away.

MAD Director Tim Rodgers reflected on the museum’s momentum: “After the huge success of our Taylor Swift: Storyteller exhibit, it’s exciting to present Barbie®: A Cultural Icon.”

MAD Board Chair Michele Cohen presented the award to Robert Best, sharing her personal connection with the iconic doll: “My first Barbie, which I received at age nine, still holds a special place in my life. Robert’s work continues to creatively evolve Barbie’s global status as a symbol of inclusivity and beauty.”

Robert Best expressed gratitude, noting that the award reflects the collaborative efforts of a team dedicated to celebrating diverse cultures, stories, and experiences.

Throughout the evening, guests explored the “Dreamhouse,” participating in a scavenger hunt that highlighted Barbie’s journey through the decades. Attendees snapped photos with life-sized Barbie props, including her pink Corvette and surfboard, and got creative at craft stations where they designed miniature outfits for the iconic doll. Dinner was held at MAD’s top-floor restaurant, ROBERT, offering stunning views of Central Park and Columbus Circle.

The guest list featured prominent names like Wes Aderhold, Carrie Rebora Barratt, Rebecca Hessel Cohen, Francine LeFrak, and MAD Board members Mike DePaola, Alexander Hankin, and Jeffrey Manocherian.

Alexander Hankin, Sami Deller, Polina Proshkina, Wes Aderhold
(L-R) Barbara Paris Gifford, a guest, LaVon Kellner, and Souleo
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 16: (L-R) Beau McCall and Souleo attend MAD Ball 2024 at Museum of Art and Design on October 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
(L-R) Caroline A Blackman, Tinu Naija and Jason Amis
(L-R) Carrie Rebora Barratt and Jason Amis
Guests
DJ Mary Mac
(L-R) DJ Marcy Mac and Estere Mwale
(L-R) Francine Lefrak and Rick Friedberg
(L-R) Francine Lefrak, Marcy Syms, and Michele Cohen
(L-R) Francine Lefrak and Rick Friedberg
(L-R) Isabel Romero and Michael Mottram
(L-R) Jason Amis and Carrie Rebora Barratt
(L-R) Logan Recchia and Julia Maranto
(L-R) Michael Weber and Nancy Weber
Guests
(L-R) Tom Kellner and LaVon Kellner
(L-R) Todd Cohen, Adam Johnson, and Ted Taylor
(L-R) Rebecca Hessel Cohen and Todd Cohen
(L-R) Tim Rodgers, Francine Lefrak, Rick Friedberg, and Jeff Harakal
Todd Cohen, Michelle Cohen, Rebecca Hessel Cohen

Barbie®: A Cultural Icon at MAD

Running from October 19, 2023, through March 16, 2025, Barbie®: A Cultural Icon at MAD celebrates Barbie’s 65th anniversary, showcasing the doll’s influence on fashion and pop culture. With over 250 vintage dolls, life-size fashion designs, and exclusive video interviews, the exhibition explores Barbie’s role in shaping global trends, careers, and identities. Originally debuted in Phoenix and Las Vegas in 2021, this marks the exhibition’s East Coast debut.

About the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD)

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) celebrates contemporary makers and their creativity across art and design. Founded in 1956, MAD spotlights the innovative craftsmanship that transforms everyday materials into extraordinary objects, bridging traditional techniques with modern technology. Through its rich curatorial program, MAD champions artists and designers shaping cultural production in the 21st century, offering visitors a participatory experience that highlights the skill and artistry behind their work.

Hillary Latos

Hillary Latos is the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of Impact Wealth Magazine. She brings over a decade of experience in media and brand strategy, served as Editor & Chief of Resident Magazine, contributing writer for BlackBook and has worked extensively across editorial, event curation, and partnerships with top-tier global brands. Hillary has an MBA from University of Southern California, and graduated New York University.