Press Release

Produced by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in Partnership with Mattel

Barbie^® joins The Strong National Museum of Play to encourage kids to play out their dreams by exploring things they like, such as creating, nurturing, solving problems, leading, and being adventurous. Barbie™ You Can Be Anything™: The Experience opens at the museum January 20, and the exhibit helps kids learn about professions and explore the possibilities. This exhibit was produced by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in partnership with Mattel.

What could be more inspiring than real-life female role models, such as Amelia Earhart (aviation pioneer), Katherine Johnson (NASA mathematician and physicist), Laurie Hernandez (Olympic gymnast), Florence Nightingale (pioneer of modern nursing), and Ella Fitzgerald (jazz singer)? In this career-inspiring experience, children and adults will learn the story of real-life women who broke career barriers and the people who supported them along their journey.

After learning about the remarkable women, visitors will be able to get an up-close look at dolls that represent these historic women. 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 250 careers over the last 65 years, and this exhibit provides an opportunity for children to discover and be inspired while uncovering what careers best fits their own interests.

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 are familiar with. Visitors are invited to take their pictures inside a Barbie box, typing their name and choosing a career for a customized photo op.

The woman who started it all, Barbie creator Ruth Handler, is an inspiration herself. Learn more about Handler and what inspired her through the years, “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.”

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit committed to creating extraordinary family learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. Learn more and get your tickets for Barbie™ You Can Be Anything™: The Experience at museumofplay.org.

About The Strong

The Strong is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the history and exploration of play. It is home to the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, the Woodbury School, and the American Journal of Play and houses the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play.

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 mattel.com.