Say “hello” to Hello Kitty at the Japanese American National Museum. PHOTO COURTESY SANRIO
It’s hard to believe the adorable little character known as Hello Kitty is turning 40. She hardly seems to have aged a bit since 1974. Her parent company, Sanrio, is celebrating this big birthday with the first Hello Kitty museum exhibit to tour North America. “Hello! Exploring The Supercute World of Hello Kitty,” will reside at the Japanese American National Museum (100 N. Central Ave., L.A.; www.janm.org/hellokitty) 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Wed. and Fri.-Sun., noon-8 p.m. Thurs. Oct. 11-April 26, exploring the famous feline’s phenomenal worldwide popularity. The multimedia exhibit will feature vintage and rare Hello Kitty memorabilia and Kitty-inspired artwork. On display will be Lady Gaga’s Hello Kitty dress, a Hello Kitty talking robot and, of course, Hello Kitty plush toys. Admission is $20 adults, $10 ages 6-17, and advance reservations are recommended.
L.A. will also be home to Hello Kitty Con 2014 – The Fan Convention. Located at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA (152 N. Central Ave., L.A.; www.sanrio.com/hellokittycon) from Oct. 30-Nov. 2, this event is the world’s first Hello Kitty fan convention. Aficionados and casual fans alike can become immersed in an interactive Hello Kitty world. There will be photo ops, an arcade, workshops and sneak peeks into upcoming Hello Kitty projects. The fun runs from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, and admission is $30 adults, $20 ages 6-12. It’s a purr-fect time to be an L.A. Hello Kitty lover.
