A major exhibition marking the 20th anniversary of Molly, a globally recognized art toy character, opened on March 21 at the Fosun Foundation. Running through May 10, the event is the second stop of a global tour and the largest offline showcase dedicated to the character to date.

Titled "The Little Galaxy", the exhibition presents a series of newly designed galleries tracing the character's evolution since its debut in 2006. Visitors can explore Molly's creative history through original sketches and classic figurines, beginning with her initial design as a little painter. The journey continues through a detailed recreation of a working studio, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the character's signature aesthetic was developed.

The exhibition also highlights various iterations of the character, including Baby Molly, Angry Molly, and Space Molly. Each version explores themes of imagination, childhood, and courage, allowing both long-time collectors and curious newcomers to discover different facets of the character's personality.

Molly was created by Hong Kong artist Kenny Wong and is one of Pop Mart's most representative IP characters. Speaking at the opening, Wong reflected on the 20-year milestone, noting that the character has grown to bring joy to fans worldwide and has supported various charitable initiatives for children.

A distinctive feature of the Shanghai stop is the "Me and Molly" section, showcasing collaborations with over 20 artists and intangible cultural heritage artisans. These works blend contemporary design with elements of Chinese heritage, including a three-meter-high shadow puppet installation that took three months to complete and intricate lacquer paintings requiring eight months of meticulous craftsmanship.

For a more interactive experience, the exhibition includes an art workshop where visitors can create their own leather accessories and explore shadow puppet art. Additionally, the venue's fourth-floor cafe offers a themed afternoon tea featuring character-inspired butter cookies and family-friendly meals.

If you go

When: Now until May 10, 10 am to 8 pm

Where: No 600 East Zhongshan Road Number Two, Huangpu district

Tickets: Booking is required via the Pop Mart WeChat mini program or the Damai app.

Sources: Shanghai Observer and WeChat account of Huangpu district