Barbie is the protagonist of the latest exhibition at the Design Museum in London

The dolls, outfits, and Dream Houses that are on display this summer during the exclusive exhibition dedicated to Barbie at the Design Museum in London have been unveiled. To celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Barbie brand, Barbie: The Exhibition, in collaboration with Mattel, presents over 180 prestigious dolls, including rare and unique items rich in accessories, as well as one of the very first editions of Barbie dolls. Visitors can admire in person famous and exclusive dolls, as well as a wide selection of other dolls that have been part of the renowned brand’s universe and have had a cultural impact over the decades.

Barbie Exhibition in London: Dates and Information

The exhibition opened its doors on July 5, 2024, retracing the changes in Barbie's appearance in relation to the cultural evolution regarding the concepts of diversity and representation. The exhibition also offers a behind-the-scenes look at Mattel’s design processes, revealing details about Barbie as an innovative creation from a technical and material standpoint. The dolls are accompanied by a variety of other items and accessories from the Barbie world, displayed in a breathtaking setting curated by the Sam Jacob Studio. In total, over 250 pieces created from 1959 to the present day are included, spanning 65 years of the evolution of the world’s most famous doll. The exhibition will close on February 23, 2025.

Highlights of Barbie: The Exhibition, in collaboration with Mattel

Highlights include: the 1971 "surfer" Sunset Malibu Barbie, one of the most popular of the 1970s, and the never-before-seen Day to Night Barbie from 1985, created to represent the revolution of the female workforce in the 1980s. Additionally, there are two Totally Hair Barbie dolls from 1992. Among others, the exhibition features the first black Barbie, the first Hispanic Barbie, and the first Asian Barbie, along with other dolls that reflect today's diverse and multicultural society. Notably, the exhibition includes the first Barbie with Down syndrome, the first Barbie in a wheelchair, and the first to sport "curvy" lines. There is also a section dedicated to Ken that showcases the evolution of this doll since its creation in 1961.

Another highlight of the exhibition is one of the very first editions of the Barbie doll. Known to collectors as "Number 1 Barbie," this was the first model launched by Mattel in 1959 and is highly sought after today. This doll, which wears a black and white swimsuit and is hand-painted, is a particularly rare first edition, with feet specially designed to be displayed on a stand. The Design Museum is proud to announce its acquisition of this doll for its collection, thanks to the support of the Conran Foundation.

Barbie and Fashion

Fashion is a central theme of this exhibition. You can admire dozens of original Barbie outfits that highlight both Barbie's origins as a fashion doll and her impact on the history of modern looks. These include "Poodle Parade" (1965), a life-size reproduction of the look worn by Billie Eilish during her performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards, and a 1985 dress by Oscar de la Renta, the first of many collaborations between the brand and famous designers. Throughout this exhibition, visitors can observe how mainstream fashion has changed over the past 65 years and understand how designers, from Claire McCardell and Christian Dior to Nolan Miller and Zac Posen, have interpreted Barbie's wardrobe. The final section of the exhibition highlights Barbie's enduring role as a pop culture icon, particularly for her impact on design in all its forms, from fashion to cinema, as well as the brand's commitment to supporting socially-driven themes.