A major exhibition celebrating the 20th anniversary of the art toy character Molly opened in Shanghai on Saturday at the Fosun Foundation, marking the largest offline showcase of the intellectual property to date. The exhibition, co-organized by Pop Mart and Hong Kong artist Kenny Wong, will run until May 10.
Molly, created by Wong in 2006, has develop into one of Pop Mart’s most recognizable and successful characters. The Shanghai exhibition, the second stop on Molly’s 20th-anniversary world tour, features original manuscripts, classic collectible figurines, and recreated studio scenes, tracing the character’s evolution over two decades.
The exhibition is themed “the little galaxy” and showcases various iterations of Molly, including Baby Molly, Angry Molly, Space Molly, and Royal Molly. These themed pavilions are intended to highlight the character’s core themes of imagination, innocence, courage, and guardianship, according to organizers.
Kenny Wong, a Hong Kong-based designer, illustrator, and toy artist, initially conceived Molly after being inspired by a real child he met at an art exhibition. The character is known for her large, round eyes, pout, and a curious demeanor. Wong’s collaboration with Pop Mart, beginning in 2016, propelled Molly to widespread popularity, particularly among younger generations.
Beyond the exhibition, Molly’s influence extends to collaborations with major brands such as Disney, Coca-Cola, and Medicom Toy. Wong has also created other art toys, often released in limited editions. His work is considered a cornerstone of the Asian designer toy scene, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts who value craftsmanship, and storytelling.
Pop Mart’s partnership with Wong has been instrumental in Molly’s success, transforming the character into one of the most popular art toys globally. The exhibition at the Fosun Foundation aims to provide a comprehensive look at Molly’s journey and impact on contemporary culture.
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