Seasonally themed exhibitions where we unbox unique, unexpected and inspirational collections or creations for public display!
UNBOX champions the heart and soul of private toy collectors, international licensed brands as well as not-for-profit organisations, serving as a creative ground for collectors, curators and artists to explore alternative exhibition narratives through the museum’s versatile spaces. It is also through UNBOX exhibitions where the museum showcases some of its own rarest, never-before-seen collections that are carefully curated brought upon by trends, impactful societal messages and conversation starters.
UNBOX PRESENTS: TOYS FIGURINES
LATEST POP UP EXHIBITION UNCOVERING
GENERATIONAL SHIFTS
Capturing socio-cultural trends nestled in childhood experiences, MINT Museum of Toys Singapore will narrate influential stories that defined playtime in its latest exhibition, UNBOX Presents: Toy Figurines. Open to the public from 28 May 2022, the exhibition will unveil the various toy figurines that underpinned and sparked generational shifts, from the evolution of gender norms portrayed by Barbie, G.I. Joe and Bratz to the epitome of transmedia storytelling across the Monster High ecosystem.
FROM BARBIE TO RAINBOW HIGH
Socio-cultural shifts across decades become apparent when surveyed alongside consumer trends within the toy industry. Staying culturally relevant is key to thriving; generational toys, therefore, provide clues to changing societal expectations till today.
In the economic boom of postwar years, the pioneering Barbie let little girls break away from the domesticated worldviews of earlier paper dolls. Rapid globalisation in the 20th century required adapting the fashion doll for newer markets, which then gave rise to the queen of Japanese dress-up dolls, Licca Chan. The definition of womanhood further shifted and expanded in the age of the Internet that called upon greater representation with more inclusive toys. Here, the racially-diverse Bratz dolls replaced Barbie’s single-tone and sweet personas with edgy personalities that empowered young girls.
The rapid spread of global pop culture when the Internet developed allowed many toymakers to dabble in once-taboo areas, like goth and LGBTQ+ which laid the successful paths for Monster High and Rainbow High. The narratives of G.I. Joe, He-Man and the Masters of Universe, and M.A.S.K travelled a similar course, among many others, which the public can delve into at this exhibition.
HIGHLIGHTING SIGNIFICANT CHAPTERS OF HISTORY
Generational movements depicted by toys are vital to understanding the role toy figurines played in impacting childhood experiences within the societal peripheries of each decade, lending it a true lever in the study of history.
Housing the largest collection of the most popular vintage toys in Singapore and Southeast Asia, the MINT Museum of Toys reiterates the need for society to look back and understand the journey transpired till today.
With nuggets of history embedded in each toy figurine, UNBOX exhibitions such as these reach out to the inner child of the visitor, allowing them to rediscover and reflect on a past once lived.
This exhibition is located on Level 3 Childhood Favourites of the museum.
L.O.L SURPRISE MERCHANDISES
AT LOWER EXCLUSIVE PRICES
L.O.L SURPRISE QUEENS TOTS Dolls are retailing now at $19.90
exclusively at MINT Museum of Toys (Usual: $29.90)
This selection of L.O.L & O.M.G Surprise Merchandise are on sale at the MINT Shop
located right at the entrance of the MINT Museum of Toys.
Grab these merchandises at exclusive lower prices during this exhibition period.
WIN A L.O.L SURPRISE OMG QUEENS FASHION DOLL (WORTH $89.90)
4 lucky winners will stand a chance to take one of these LOL Surprise OMG Queens Fashion Doll when you purchase a Queens Tot doll at MINT Museum of Toys Jumbo Gumball Machine!
Good luck having a go!
CALL FOR COLLABORATION
Calling out to all toy enthusiasts and collectors, UNBOX offers you a unique place to showcase your collection, with help from our curator, which mean so much. This is a chance to show the world what makes you passionate about what you do.
A collectors-club like no other, expand your collectors’ circle with us as we hold uniquely collectors networking sessions, offering access to resources, new experiences and participation in your favorite aspect of collection!