Barbie™ joins COSI to encourage kids to play out their dreams by exploring things they like, such as creating, nurturing, solving problems, leading and being adventurous. They will then learn which professions fit those skill sets. As the original female empowerment brand, Barbie was created to show girls they have choices and this exhibit will help them explore the possibilities.
Opening on October 4th through January 7th, 2024 is Barbie™ You can Be Anything™: The Experience!
“Barbie dolls encourage the kind of imaginative play that teaches us that no matter our gender, ethnicity, or background, we can make the world a better place by doing work that excites us, challenges us, and brings us fulfillment,” said Jennifer Pace Robinson, president and CEO, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
What could be more inspiring than real-life female role models such as Amelia Earhart (aviation pioneer), Katherine Johnson (NASA mathematician & physicist), Laurie Hernandez (Olympic gymnast) and two of the newest doll releases—Florence Nightingale (pioneer of modern nursing) and Ella Fitzgerald (jazz singer)? In this career inspiring experience, children and their parents and grandparents will see images of the real-life women alongside the real life role model backgrounds that led them to success and the Barbie™ dolls that represent them. Visitors of all generations can use this opportunity to talk about the struggles and accomplishments of these memorable women as well as their own life experiences and then role play with Barbie™.
Barbie has had more than 200 jobs over the last 60 years and this exhibit will be a good opportunity for children to discover her diversity as well as what role type best fits their own interests in pursuing a career.
Those who are adventurous will explore careers that Barbie has had including surfer, rock climber and wildlife photographer. Those who aspire to be a leader will learn what it takes to be a president, a pilot and film director. Creative kids can mix it up with Barbie the chef, fashion designer and artist. Little ones who are natural nurturers can pretend to be beekeepers and care for the hive, veterinarians who take care of large animals or doctors who help people who are sick. Good problem solvers experience building, coding and repairing that construction workers, archaeologists, and robot coders might. Visitors are invited to take their pictures inside a Barbie box. Type the name of the person in and click on the career for a customized photo opp.
The woman who started it all—Barbie creator Ruth Handler is an inspiration herself. Learn more about the woman and what inspired her through the years including one of Handler’s most notable quotes: “My whole philosophy of Barbie was that through the doll, the little girl could be anything she wanted to be. Barbie always represented the fact that a woman has choices.”
About The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sciences and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. For more information about TCM, visit www.childrensmuseum.org, follow us on Twitter @TCMIndy, Instagram @childrensmuseum, Facebook.com/childrensmuseum and YouTube.com/IndyTCM.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming and digital experiences, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.