Betty Boop has been a cultural icon for nearly 100 years. In collaboration with Fleischer Studios, this one-of-a-kind exhibit embarks on a nostalgic journey, starting with Betty’s beginnings to her rise to international popularity—and what makes her a fan favorite today.

First introduced in 1930, Betty Boop was created by Max Fleischer for his “Talkartoons” series, the world’s first animated “talkies,” which Max’s company, Fleischer Studios, produced for Paramount Studios. While she first appeared in the animated film Dizzy Dishes as a dog-like singer, she quickly lost her canine features and was given the name Betty Boop in 1931, making her the first female animated screen star in history. Personifying the fabulous flappers and jazz artists of the day, she was also the earliest animated character to be on broadcast television, drawn live on-air by creator Max Fleischer.

Also highlighted are the eight women who have voiced Betty over the years, and history and animation enthusiasts will appreciate the focus on innovative industry pioneers Max and Dave Fleischer, founders of Fleischer Studios and inventors of the rotoscope.