All Photos By Gail
While wandering through the Museum of Modern Art last week, I noticed something unexpected in the gift shop: a new collectible Barbie inspired by what is arguably Vincent van Gogh’s most famous painting, The Starry Night. The doll felt perfectly placed, considering the original painting hangs just upstairs as part of MoMA’s permanent collection.
The Starry Night Barbie translates Van Gogh’s swirling night sky into fashion form. Her gown echoes the painting’s signature blues and luminous yellows, with movement and texture that suggest the restless energy of the sky itself. Details like the sculptural heels, a single black glove, and even the presentation box feel thoughtfully tied to the painting rather than simply printed with it. It’s less novelty item and more miniature homage.
The doll is part of a collaboration between Mattel Creations and MoMA, designed by Annalise Lao, and it leans into the idea of art as something that can live beyond the gallery wall — even on a shelf at home. At the moment, the doll is available through the MoMA Design Store, priced at $160 (with a member discount bringing it slightly lower). Like many museum collaborations, availability appears limited, and it has sold out elsewhere before reappearing at MoMA.
Whether you collect Barbies, love Van Gogh, or simply enjoy seeing how iconic artworks continue to inspire contemporary design, the Starry Night Barbie is one of those objects that sits right at the intersection of art, fashion, and pop culture — and somehow feels right at home in a modern art museum gift shop.
