It’s unbelievable how Sanrio turned a cat looking girl named Hello Kitty to be in every possible “thing” you can think of, her kawaii face is plastered on everything. And when I say every thing, that includes toilet paper, a 747, and just the other day I saw her face on a light bulb. Hello Kitty is only 5 Apples Tall but is Truly a Giant. I thought I’ve seen it all during the Hello Kitty Con Media Preview, but there’s more to see at the Hello Kitty Exhibit at the Japanese American National Museum(JANM).
If you’re a Hello Kitty Fan or know one who is. Head to the Japanese American National Museum in Downtown LA where “Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty” is being exhibited until April of 2015. It’s very inspiring from an entrepreneurs’ standpoint(coz that’s billions worth of products out there around the globe) and awe-inspiring for any Hello Kitty fan, young and old.
The Hello Kitty Exhibit in Los Angeles was organized as part of Hello Kitty’s 40th-anniversary celebration. The exhibition examines the colorful history of Hello Kitty and her influence on popular culture. You’d be able to see rare and unique items from the Sanrio archives, alongside a selection of innovative contemporary artworks inspired by Hello Kitty and her world.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll see at the Hello Kitty Exhibit, but I implore you to visit the museum as it is bigger than I thought it would be and there’s really a lot of interesting facts and things to see.
Check out all the Hello Kitty Products all the way from 1976, which one did you own? The original Hello Kitty purse from 1975 that introduce Hello Kitty to the world is also at the exhibit.
Hello Kitty partnered with Eva Air and now flies to Paris and Los Angeles from Taipei. Above shows items you’ll get to use once you board Eva Air. Including the Hello Kitty Toilet Paper of course. It’s on my bucket list to fly the Hello Kitty Plane. Hopefully soon.
The kids had a fun time posing with the Hello Kitty artworks. Kids 5 and under get to see the Hello Kitty exhibit for Free.
I read every call card at the museum and was shocked to see Francis Libiran on the Hello Kitty dresses above. I’m thinking that sounds like the famous Filipino designer. Can it be him? Well yes, it’s him. These dresses were featured on America’s Top Model back in 2012. Bravo! Hope he’d let me wear the pink one at the next Hello Kitty Con.
Hello Kitty is 5 apples tall. I’m 12.5. I wonder if they are gala apples or those big red delicious type?
I do remember seeing the Hello Kitty phone as a kid. But Hello Kitty hair dryer, that’s a first for me.
The Hello Kitty Exhibit is a mix of the vintage and the new. Here is one on display created just this year by Jonathan Stein. This Hello Kitty gummy bag is over 12 inches tall and looks really nice in person.
Hello Kitty products ranging from a light bulb to batteries. She’s really in everything.
I look forward to seeing this 5 apple giant grow even more over the years. There’s a Hello Kitty theme park in Japan and they are bringing the Hello Kitty Cafe in the US next year. I think what is missing is a Hello Kitty Cruise. What do you guys think?
How much is the Hello Kitty Exhibit Tickets?
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for youth ages 6–17, FREE for children ages 5 and under and free for JANM members. All admissions are based on timed entry and no re-entry is allowed. Obtaining tickets in advance is strongly encouraged.
Do they sell any Hello Kitty merchandise at the Hello Kitty Exhibit?
Yes, they do. From Hello Kitty Bento Box to Bobblehead. There are two stores. One inside the JANM building that sells museum products together with Hello Kitty JANM items and one outside in another building that sells primarily Hello Kitty products. Visit both.
Hello Kitty represents friendship, sharing, happiness and fun. We celebrated all those things by going on a Hello Kitty filled day last Sunday starting at this exhibit. Check all our other Hello Kitty posts below:
- 20 Things I love about the Hello Kitty Con Part 1, Part 2
- Hello Kitty Con: Exclusive Products at the Pop-up Shop
- Hello Kitty Con: Product Collaboration at the Super Supermarket
- Hello Kitty Con: Vintage Village
- Hello Kitty Afternoon Tea at Chado Tea Room
- Hello Kitty Suite at the Line Hotel
Where is the Hello Kitty Exhibit in Los Angeles?
It’s inside the Japanese American National Museum(JANM), 100 North Central Avenue, Los Angeles
disclosure: thanks JANM for letting us cover the exhibit.