MoMA and Mattel Partner to Reimagine Timeless Toys and Games with Artistic Inspirations
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and toy manufacturer Mattel are two influential brands known for distinct areas. MoMA serves as the venue for provocative modern and contemporary art, while Mattel encompasses brands like Barbie, UNO, and Hot Wheels. Together, they have embarked on a remarkable five-year collaboration to develop products inspired by each other.
In their initial collection, several of Mattel’s brands have reimagined masterpieces from MoMA. The seven items will launch on November 11, 2025, and will be sold on the direct-to-consumer Mattel Creations website and the MoMA Store website, along with in-person availability at its New York and Japan store locations.
A notable item from this collaboration is the Barbie inspired by Vincent van Gogh. This collectible doll wears a gown inspired by The Starry Night, featuring swirling motifs from the painting’s skies and an eye-catching crescent moon detail in Barbie’s hair. Another inventive interpretation from the brand Little People Collector has transformed its small figurines into renowned artists. One set is based on Salvador Dalí, including two figures: one of the artist as he is commonly recognized, and another inspired by The Persistence of Memory. Claude Monet’s Water Lilies is also part of the collection, featuring two figures – one of the artist, and the other representing the artwork, complete with accessories.
“MoMA has consistently celebrated the transformative influence of art and design as a catalyst for education and creativity,” expresses Jesse Goldstine, chief retail officer at MoMA. “By collaborating with Mattel Creations, we are welcoming a new generation of audiences to engage with the Museum’s collection in ways that blend contemporary art with imaginative play and design innovation.”
Nick Karamanos, SVP of Entertainment Partnerships at Mattel, shares this perspective. “This collaboration represents more than just a product launch; it signifies a global design partnership. Through Mattel Creations, we have been re-envisioning our brands as collectible, design-focused experiences. Collaborating with MoMA allows us to translate some of the world’s most iconic artworks and artists into extraordinary manifestations of culture, design, and storytelling that will appeal to collectors and enthusiasts for years to come.”
Watch for the launch on Mattel Creations and the MoMA Store website on November 11, 2025.