Attention Hello Kitty loves, a new exhibition has just launched at Somerset House to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic character. It opened to the public yesterday (25 January) and will run until Sunday 14 April.
Hello Kitty was launched in 1975 and officially turns 50 next year. But Somerset House teamed up with Sanrio, the Japanese entertainment company behind the character, this year as an early birthday tribute.
Part of the SWEET exhibit, the display features an arcade for all ages, a disco complete with glitter ball and mirrored walls, and memorabilia from the loved one. In addition to honoring Hello Kitty, the exhibit explores the concept of cuteness in contemporary culture, from emojis to plush toys.
CUTE collects contemporary artworks, including new artist commissions, and cultural phenomena such as music, fashion, toys, video games and social media. It examines the world’s embrace of sweet culture and how it has become such an influential measure of our time.
The show also tries to unravel the emotional charge of cuteness and reveal its complex power and potential. On site, visitors are guided through everything sweet and sweet from the first documented cat memes way back in the 1870s, to fancy gargoyles and Oxycontin pills.
And with Hello Kitty as a running theme, it’s no surprise that the exhibit is followed by a Hello Kitty-filled gift shop. There’s also a cafe dedicated to the character, offering all sorts of drinks and treats starring Sanrio’s Hello Kitty.
Read more about the event and Book your tickets here