Barbie: The Exhibition

Location

Design Museum
224-238 Kensington High Street
London
W8 6AG

Description

This exhibition runs from Friday 5th July 2024 to Sunday 23rd February 2025.


Journey into the Barbie universe and discover over 250 remarkable objects, with rare, unique and innovative dolls dating from 1959 to the present day.

What to expect

Opening to coincide with the 65th anniversary of the Barbie brand in 2024, the exhibition will explore the story of Barbie through a design lens, including fashion, architecture, furniture and vehicle design.

Highlights include a rare first edition of the very first doll released by Mattel in 1959 ('Number 1 Barbie'), the groundbreaking Day to Night Barbie from 1985 and the best-selling Barbie of all time, 1992's Totally Hair Barbie which sold over 10 million across the globe.

Other dolls will highlight the diversity of the Barbie range, with examples of the first Black, Hispanic and Asian dolls to bear the Barbie name, as well as dolls that reflect today's diverse, multicultural society, including the first Barbie with Down syndrome, the first to use a wheelchair, and the first to be designed with a curvy body shape.

We'll also be showcasing the friends of Barbie, including her first friend, Midge, and the much-loved Christie and Teresa; as well as the younger sister of Barbie, Skipper. There'll also be a section dedicated to Ken, which will see six decades' worth of Ken dolls on show, showing his evolution from his introduction in 1961.

Other objects from this historic brand will include Dreamhouses, vehicles and furniture, including the first ever Barbie Dreamhouseâ„¢ from 1962. Together these items will show how Barbie's homes, vehicles and other products have all helped to design the universe in which she exists and has always reflected the tastes and trends of day, engaging with modern design in an aspirational but accessible way.

Ian has Visited - review here.

Prices

Standard Ticket: £18

Contact and Booking Details

More information at this website.

Reserve tickets at this website

Upcoming Dates

This exhibition runs from Friday 5th July 2024 to Sunday 23rd February 2025.

Forthcoming dates:

Sun 9th Feb 2025 
(10:00am to 6:00pm)
Mon 10th Feb 2025 
(10:00am to 5:00pm)
Tue 11th Feb 2025 
(10:00am to 5:00pm)
Wed 12th Feb 2025 
(10:00am to 5:00pm)
Thu 13th Feb 2025 
(10:00am to 5:00pm)
Fri 14th Feb 2025 
(10:00am to 6:00pm)
Sat 15th Feb 2025 
(10:00am to 8:00pm - Late closing)
Sun 16th Feb 2025 
(10:00am to 6:00pm)
Mon 17th Feb 2025 
(10:00am to 5:00pm)

Disclaimer

The information and prices in this listing are presumed to be correct at the time of publishing, but please always check with the venue before making a special trip.

All images are supplied by the exhibition organiser.

Design Museum
224-238 Kensington High Street
London
W8 6AG

Map

This exhibition runs from Friday 5th July 2024 to Sunday 23rd February 2025.

This event runs over several days/weeks. Dates include:

July 2024

August 2024

September 2024

October 2024

November 2024

December 2024

January 2025

February 2025