Cookie Consent by Free Privacy Policy website Barbie. The Icon, a new exhibition in Bologna
may 23, 2016 - comune di bologna

Barbie. The Icon, a new exhibition in Bologna

Though her real name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, for most people she’s just Barbie. Calling her a doll would be belittling. Barbie is a global icon, and in 56 years of life she has managed to knock down every linguistic, cultural, social, and anthropological barrier. This is why she has attracted people’s attention as a cultural and sociological phenomenon, and institutions of the caliber of the Louvre in Paris and the Vittoriano in Rome are dedicating exhibitions to her.
After the must-see exhibition in Milan, and the current equally successful exhibition in Rome, on 18 May Barbie. The Icon will open at Palazzo Albergati in #bologna, continuing through 2 October 2016.
Once again, Arthemisia Group confirms its trust in the city of #bologna, enhancing the already rich cultural offer: besides the exhibitions dedicated to Egypt at the Archaeological Museum, to Edward Hopper at Palazzo Fava and to Street Art at Palazzo Pepoli, Arthemisia presents a project dedicated to a different target - families, children and people who are not necessarily interested in art and who do not normally visit museums.
"It is now clear that we really do believe in this city - says Iole Siena, President of Arthemisia Group - and today I can proudly confirm that our work has objectively brought good results, as evidenced by the numbers. We wish to pursue the cooperation with all the city's institutions and to contribute, according to our possibilities, to confirm the cultural relevance of Bologna".
Produced by Arthemisia Group and 24ORE Cultura – Gruppo 24 ORE, under the patronage of the #comunedibologna and in collaboration with Mattel, the exhibition is curated by Massimiliano Capella and has Monrif Hotels and Trenitalia as technical sponsors and the support of Il Sole 24 ORE, Domenica 24 ORE, Radio24.
The exhibition has been enriched with new loans, from precious Sixties Vintage models to the Silkstone Barbie Dolls fashion, which has been given its own section.
Also known as Fashion Model Barbie Dolls and Lingerie Model Barbie Dolls, these unique Barbies were made of a very hard plastic, to imitate porcelain. They became immediately very popular because of their vintage flair, reaching a prominent place in many collections.
Barbie. The Icon tells the incredible story of a doll that has interpreted the aesthetic and cultural transformations of society over more than half a century of history. However, unlike other contemporary legends, worn out by the passing of time, the Barbie doll has had the privilege of being timeless, crossing eras and distant lands, representing over 50 different nationalities, thus reinforcing her identity as a reflection of the global imaginary.
Since 9 March 1959, the day Barbie was first introduced at the New York International Toy Fair, she has had hundreds of careers. She has been to the moon, served as a UNICEF Ambassador, worn 1 billion outfits equal to 980 million metres of fabric. But most importantly, Barbie has changed with the times – and this doesn’t mean just fads and fashions. She has always kept up with the world, and become a absolute icon.
This exhibition was designed to offer different perspectives on Barbie. Detailed historical and cultural facts will guide adults, and interactive games and other engaging activities will help children learn all about Barbie.


Barbie. The Icon
Palazzo Albergati
Via Saragozza 28 - #bologna
18 May – 2 October 2016
www.palazzoalbergati.com