March marked the 50th birthday of the Barbie Doll and the 10th birthday of the Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History.
But before the museum can run an exhibition, “Barbie: The Golden Anniversary,” for the 50th, it needs to move into its new space in the Boynton Beach Mall, 801 N. Congress Ave.
The former Delray museum has planned the exhibit for July 31 through April 1 but cannot move into the 8,000 square feet of space near the Sears in the mall until it raises almost $20,000.
Lori Durante, museum executive director, said the mall donated the temporary location and that very basic repairs and renovations have to be done to occupy it.
Durante said since the museum has been in operation for 10 years, it is having a $10 campaign for donations to help it move into the mall.
Originally, the plan was to move onto a 1.4-acre permanent location near the Boynton City Library, 208 S. Seacrest Blvd.
“But with the economy that plan has been put on hold for at least three years,” Durante said.
If the move goes well, more than 200 vintage Barbie Dolls, friends, family members and accessories from private collectors will be showcased in the exhibit by the end of July.
The Barbie doll was invented in 1959 by Ruth Handler (co-founder of Mattel), whose own daughter was called Barbara.
In addition to the Barbie exhibit, a fall exhibit with the fashions of Lilly Pulitzer is planned, Durante said.
Since 1999, the Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History has hosted more than 17 exhibitions including traveling exhibitions from the Smithsonian Institution of Washington, D.C.
The exhibit topics have included the history of lunch boxes, magazine covers as well as displays about hats, handbags and gloves.
Vincent Luongo has a granddaughter, Grace, who he said loves fashion.
“I hope the museum can make the transition to the mall,” he said. “I’d love to take Gracie-Bell.”
To make a donation, visit MLFHMuseum.org, or send check to Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History at P.O. Box 6127, Delray Beach, Fl. 33482.
For information, call 561-243-2662.
Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.