Artists Reimagine Mattel’s Legacy for the 80th Anniversary Exhibition at Corey Helford Gallery
This year marks an incredible milestone for Mattel, as the iconic toy company celebrates its 80th anniversary. To honor this legacy, the Corey Helford Gallery (CHG) in DTLA is hosting Toys As Art, Art Inspired By Toys: Mattel's 80th Anniversary Group Exhibition. The exhibition, which opened on March 15, 2025, features over 80 contemporary artists from around the world, all coming together to showcase their creative interpretations of Mattel's beloved toy brands. The exhibit will remain on display until April 19, 2025, offering a unique opportunity to experience the transformation of childhood nostalgia into artistic masterpieces.
For eight decades, Mattel has shaped imaginations with its iconic products, from Barbie® to Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price® to UNO®. In collaboration with Mattel Creations, the company’s creative platform for collaborations with artists and creators, the exhibit presents a fresh and inspiring perspective on the world of toys. CHG has invited top-tier contemporary artists to reimagine Mattel's classic brands, turning them into new forms of art that speak to both adult collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
“Since its founding by Ruth and Elliott Handler, Mattel has been a creations company, powered by artists, designers, and trailblazers. As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, it's only natural we would collaborate with artists to reimagine our iconic brands, where our toys become a canvas for their art. This partnership between Mattel Creations and Corey Helford Gallery is an exciting invitation for the world to join us in celebrating the unique intersection between art, toys, and imagination.”
— Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer
From renowned names like Mark Ryden, Paul Frank, and Gary Baseman, to the up-and-coming talent like Ana Bagayan and Camilla d'Errico, this exhibition showcases a diverse array of artistic styles and mediums. These artists are invited to explore how Mattel’s toys have influenced not just childhood play, but the very fabric of artistic expression across generations. The pieces will serve as both a tribute to Mattel's past and an exploration of how these toys have shaped creative journeys.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is a special display in Gallery 3, where visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at Mattel’s rich history. This section features vibrant displays of Mattel’s most popular brands, detailing their origin stories and the creative processes that have gone into designing these toys. Visitors will also get to see how these classic toys have been reimagined in the present day as collectible art pieces.
The show also features artists like Bob Dob, Camilla d'Errico, Junko Mizuno, and Travis Lampe, among many others. Additionally, four students from Inner-City Arts, a nonprofit focused on empowering youth through art, will have their work showcased in the exhibition, adding an inspiring community element to the event.
Mattel's 80th Anniversary Group Exhibition: Toys As Art, Art Inspired By Toys is a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the intersection of art, toys, and imagination. Whether you're a lifelong fan of Mattel’s products or simply appreciate innovative art, this exhibition is a must-see. It’s a chance to reflect on how these toys have shaped generations and to see them through a fresh, artistic lens.
The exhibition will be open to the public from March 15 through April 19, 2025, with special events planned throughout the show’s duration. Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of Mattel's legacy and the artists who continue to be inspired by its iconic brands.
For more information, visit Corey Helford Gallery.
