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Barbie®: The Exhibition

A major exhibition exploring the design evolution of one of the world’s most famous dolls: Barbie®. Journey into the Barbie universe and discover over 250 remarkable objects, with rare, unique and innovative dolls dating from 1959 to the present day.

Please note, Barbie: The Exhibition is very popular. We strongly recommend booking tickets in advance to avoid disappointment on the day. Don't forget that Members can visit at any time.

Barbie: The Exhibition 2024 © Jo Underhill for the Design Museum

Barbie: The Exhibition 2024 © Jo Underhill for the Design Museum

Barbie: The Exhibition 2024 © Jo Underhill for the Design Museum

Barbie: The Exhibition 2024 © Jo Underhill for the Design Museum

Barbie: The Exhibition 2024 © Jo Underhill for the Design Museum

1959 Barbie No. 1 © Mattel, Inc.

1992 Totally Hair Barbie photographed by Petra Rajnicova for the Design Museum

2016 Barbie Fashionista Blue Brocade ©Mattel, Inc.

1985 Day to Night Barbie © Mattel, Inc.

2016 Barbie Fashionista Sweetheart Stripes ©Mattel, Inc.

1973 Barbie Doctor ©Mattel, Inc.

1962 Barbie Dream House © Mattel, Inc.

1961 Austin Healy. © Mattel, Inc.

What to expect

Opening to coincide with the 65th anniversary of the Barbie brand in 2024, the exhibition explores 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 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're also 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’s a section dedicated to Ken, displaying six decades’ worth of Ken dolls on show, showing his evolution from his introduction in 1961.

Other objects from this historic brand such as Dreamhouses, vehicles and furniture are on show, including the first ever Barbie Dreamhouse™ from 1962. Together these items 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.

#BarbieTheExhibition

★★★★ The Guardian

'a riot of pink that makes you think... Barbie: The Exhibition is fun, glossy, nostalgic, escapist and just the thing for summer holidays'
★★★★ The Times

'It's fantastic... you do not need to be a Barbie fan to enjoy'
Wallpaper*

'a joyful celebration of fashion, play, design and girlhood'
★★★★ Time Out

BOOK ONLINE

Booking information

Adult tickets from £14.38
Children aged 6 to 15 from £7.19
Under 6s go free
Concession/Student tickets from £10.77

• Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Visit our terms & conditions page for further information.

• Please note that the gallery starts closing 30 minutes before the museum closes. For opening hours and further information, please check our Plan your visit page.

MEMBERS GO FREE
Members gain free access to the exhibition including a guest and up to three children, enjoy members-only previews, special discounts to events and more. Gift Membership and Student Membership are available from £45.

Please note that the museum accepts digital/card payments only, including ticket desk, shops and cafes.

The Exhibition will be open until 20:00 on the following dates:

July

• Friday 5 July
• Saturday 6 July
• Friday 12 July
• Friday 19 July
• Friday 26 July

Aug – Oct

• Friday 30 August
• Friday 6 September
• Friday 25 October
• Saturday 26 October

Nov – Dec

• Friday 1 November
• Saturday 2 November
• Friday 8 November
• Friday 15 November
• Friday 22 November
• Friday 29 November
• Friday 6 December
• Friday 13 December
• Friday 20 December

Eat & Drink

Please note that the Design Cafe will remain open late on the dates above, with the last orders at 19:30.

Shop our pink range

In homage to 'Barbie: The Exhibition', we've curated a dreamy edit of pink and pastel home décor, accessories and more, available to buy onsite and in our online shop.

Please note that official Barbie products can be purchased exclusively in our High Street Kensington shop, which has been transformed into a haven for all things Barbie-inspired.

The museum shops will remain open until 20:00 on late opening days listed above.

Large Print Guide

During your visit, ask a member of staff for a printed copy of a Large Print Guide or download the digital version from our Access Information page on your phone.

See what's on

Get closer to design

Discover what else is coming up including exhibitions, talks and workshops.

Barbie © 2024 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.