London’s V&A museum to Exhibit Super Mario, Recognizing Video Game Icon’s Cultural Impact
A portrait depicting Mario, the globally recognized character from the Super Mario bros. franchise, will be displayed at the young V&A museum in London, marking a notable step in acknowledging video games as a culturally influential art form. The decision, announced this week, underscores the enduring legacy of the 1980s video game revolution and the character’s continued relevance four decades later.
Curator Christian Bolsing explained the rationale behind the inclusion, stating, “Video games, like other media, must be recognized for their cultural influence.” The move reflects a growing acceptance of video games not merely as entertainment, but as a powerful force shaping modern culture, community, and even design. the exhibit arrives as the gaming industry continues to expand, impacting entertainment, technology, and art worldwide.
Originally appearing in the arcade game Donkey Kong in 1981, Mario-initially known as “Jumpman”-quickly evolved into the central figure of the Super Mario Bros. franchise, debuting on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985. Despite his humble origins as a fictional Italian plumber, Mario has become arguably the most recognizable video game character globally.
Bolsing highlighted Mario’s broad appeal, noting the character “transcends generations and plays people together,” offering “a sense of stability and…a familiar friend in a rapidly changing chaotic world.” He also pointed to titles like Super mario Maker (2015), which empowers players to create and share their own levels, demonstrating a deep engagement with the game’s design principles.
The V&A’s decision acknowledges not only Mario’s widespread recognition but also the collaborative nature of gaming. Bolsing observed that Mario’s design intentionally fostered a community experience, and the character’s enduring popularity speaks to its ability to connect people across cultures and generations. The exhibit signals a broader trend of museums and cultural institutions recognizing the artistic and societal value of video games.
