LACMA announces plan to take over LA MOCA

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has announced a plan to take over the financially troubled LA MOCA, but it may require the approval of billionaire collector Eli Broad. His $30m bailout of MOCA in 2008 was on condition that it may not be acquired by another museum within 100 miles within the next 10 years. You can read the merger proposal here.

There's something about Barbie

Barbie is heading for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The iconic doll with a new outfit for every occasion has been acquired by the Museum for its big Fall show California Design, 1930 -1965: Living in a Modern Way. Wendy Kaplan, who is co-curating the show, says that Barbie helps tell the story of how mid-century manufacturers sold toys, furniture and fashion alike by selling the idea of a leisurely California lifestyle. "Barbie is emblematic of aspirations of the mid-century. Her house is a suburban ranch home, and her first outfit, so appropriate for California, is a bathing suit", says Kaplan. Read more...

Image: 1959 Barbie Teenage Fashion Model (Mattel)