Popmart launched an exhibition in Beijing on Sunday to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Molly character [1].
The event marks a milestone for the blind box industry, as Molly is credited with spearheading the trend of collectible mystery toys in China [1]. By showcasing the character's evolution, Popmart highlights the intersection of contemporary art and commercial retail that has captured the youth market.
Visitors to the Beijing venue are greeted by a massive Molly sculpture standing approximately six meters tall [2]. The installation serves as the centerpiece for an event that details the history of blind box culture and the specific influence of the character, who was originally created by a Hong Kong artist in 2006 [1].
Local collectors noted the distinct appeal of different characters within the Popmart ecosystem. One Beijing resident said that while Molly evokes the image of a refined young lady, other characters like Labubu have a more wild image. The resident said that the greatest appeal of blind boxes is the excitement of not knowing which figure is inside [1].
The celebration comes amid a challenging economic climate for toy manufacturers. Shishi, a production factory manager in Shanghai, said that raw material prices have risen by at least 20% over the last month [3]. This increase in production costs presents a contrast to the celebratory atmosphere of the anniversary exhibition.
The exhibition is scheduled to remain open from June 7 through July 19, 2026 [1].
“The greatest appeal of blind boxes is the excitement of not knowing which figure is inside.”
The 20-year anniversary of Molly underscores the transition of 'art toys' from niche collectibles to a dominant cultural phenomenon in China. However, the simultaneous rise in raw material costs suggests that the industry may face pricing pressures that could impact the accessibility of blind boxes for the mass market.
