Chloé Hayden Interview: Heartbreak High & Emotional Op-Shop Story
- Sydney's Powerhouse Museum is set to unveil a new exhibition co-curated by actress Chloé Hayden, known for her role in "Heartbreak High." The exhibition showcases a selection of...
- Hayden, 27, filmed a promotional video for the exhibition in a bunker in northwest Sydney.
- "All of the objects here represent me in some form," Hayden said, referring to miniature cattle figures dating back to the 1870s.
Dive into a captivating interview with Chloé Hayden, “Heartbreak High” star, exploring her co-curation of the Powerhouse Museum’s “Powerhouse Materials” exhibition. Discover Hayden’s unique connection to objects, from vintage toys to high-fashion statements, reflecting her passions and neurodiversity. Uncover the heartwarming story of a cherished, albeit mangled, op-shop find that left her “bawling” – a testament to her deep emotional bonds. We bring you this exclusive story from News Directory 3, spotlighting the actress’s personal journey as she selects items from the museum’s extensive collection, weaving a narrative of childhood nostalgia, fashion as self-expression, and autistic perspectives. What treasures will Hayley reveal next?
Chloé Hayden Co-Curates Exhibition at Powerhouse Museum
updated June 22, 2025
Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum is set to unveil a new exhibition co-curated by actress Chloé Hayden, known for her role in ”Heartbreak High.” The exhibition showcases a selection of textural objects chosen by Hayden from the museum’s extensive collection.
Hayden, 27, filmed a promotional video for the exhibition in a bunker in northwest Sydney. Surrounded by items such as a rocking horse, a teddy bear and Miu Miu boots, Hayden highlighted the personal significance of the objects.
“All of the objects here represent me in some form,” Hayden said, referring to miniature cattle figures dating back to the 1870s. She noted the connection many autistic people, including herself, have with inanimate objects, comparing the cows to her own toy animals.
Hayden’s mother, Sarah Hayden, authored “Parenting Different,” a book about raising neurodiverse children. In the book, Chloé wrote about finding acceptance and freedom while riding with a group of “cowboys.”
Hayden’s passions, including animals, horse riding and fashion, are reflected in her selections for the exhibition, such as a green Jordan Gogos outfit made from fabric scraps.
“I think fashion should be fun,” Hayden said. She added that people often forget how to play dress-ups as they grow older. She recently wore a Camilla halterneck and miniskirt, created in collaboration with Wicked the Musical.
Toys and childhood nostalgia are also prominent themes. Hayden chose a 1927 Japanese teddy, a Mickey Mouse soft toy and an Akira Isogawa silk-printed teddy bear backpack for the exhibition, noting her emotional attachment to toy animals.
Hayden owns 140 model horses and 150 teddy bears. She recounted finding a mangled teddy bear deer at an op-shop when she was 18.Despite its missing eye and ear, she had to have it.
“I left the op-shop bawling my eyes out,” Hayden said. Her mother drove back to the shop so she could buy the deer for 50 cents.
Hayden still has the op-shop deer. “Once they come home with me they never leave,that’s why I have 150.”
The Powerhouse exhibition allows Hayden’s fans to see her passions in a tangible form. “I think there are definitely things that people who don’t know me intimately would go, ‘That’s an interesting choice’ but people that know me would go, ‘This is the most Chloé exhibit you could ever think of.'”