Playmobil celebrates 50 years with life-sized artistic interpretations

Germany – To mark its 50th anniversary, toy manufacturer Playmobil has commissioned 10 artists to re-imagine its iconic figurines in a striking new way. In a departure from the brand’s signature 7.5cm smiling characters, these special models stand at an impressive 1.5m tall, offering a larger-than-life canvas for creative expression.

The art project, curated by Hikmet Sugör – owner of sneaker brand Sonra and a creative force in various brand collaborations – invited a diverse group of artists to put their spin on the beloved Playmobil figures. Among the contributors are Thomas Marecki, Bünyamin Aydin, street artist Hera (Jasmin Siddiqui) and Ferdi Porsche, founder of the motor sport-inspired community brand FAT International.

The resulting artworks will be showcased at Berlin’s Beinghunted Gallery for a two-week exhibition that opened on 30 August. After the exhibition, the pieces will be auctioned on eBay, with all proceeds benefiting Save the Children Germany eV, an organisation dedicated to protecting and advocating for children’s rights globally. This initiative not only celebrates Playmobil’s legacy but also highlights the brand’s commitment to social responsibility, a topic we explore further in Is Essentialism the Future of Branding?