Exhibition Relaxed Opening
Barbie: The Exhibition Relaxed Opening
Join us for a Relaxed Opening of Barbie®: The Exhibition, suitable for visitors with a neurodivergent profile, sensory processing differences, SEND, neurological conditions or anxiety and their families, companions and carers.
What to expect
Celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Barbie® brand, the exhibition features 180 dolls alongside a selection of Barbie’s Dreamhouses, outfits, accessories and promotional materials, which reflect changes in tastes, trends and expectations in wider society.
The Relaxed Opening allows you to visit with fewer people in the gallery, a more relaxed attitude towards noise and movement, and additional support.
Special adjustments will include:
• Ticket sales are limited to 50% capacity, so there will be far fewer people in the gallery than on other dates
• Our ‘Barbie: The Exhibition’ High Street Shop will be open to ticket holders from 18:00 – 20:00
• The museum’s café, Atrium shop, other exhibitions and displays will not be open during this event
• A small Chill Room will be available on Level -1, near the gallery entrance and exit
• A selection of tactile materials from the exhibition will be available to touch in the gallery foyer before and after visiting the exhibition
• Recommended time to see the exhibition is approximately 50 minutes
• More information about your visit will be sent via email, 4 days ahead of the event date to help you prepare for your visit
• A link to an online Sensory Map will also be included in the pre-visit email to all bookers
• A print copy of the Sensory Map will be available onsite during the Relaxed opening
Please note that a video description of entrance journey will be added to this page soon.
Scroll down this page for Booking information.
Sensory Map
You can download a PDF of our Sensory Map, which is a guide to sensory stimuli, access and amenities around the exhibition gallery. It is designed to give visitors an understanding of what to expect when visiting the exhibition.
Barbie: The Exhibition 2024 © Jo Underhill for the Design Museum
Book Online
Booking information
Adult tickets from £16.18
Concession/Student tickets from £12.12
Accompanying Carer ticket: Free
• Pre-booking is required as spaces are limited
• The gallery will start closing 15 minutes before the museum closes at 20:00. This will be a soft closure, with no loud announcements, and the staff (wearing denim aprons) will approach you with a communication card in use. This event is taking place after the regular opening times, which can be viewed in our Plan your visit page.
• Suitable Age: 12 +. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible, ticket-holding adult
• Tickets are non-refundable. If you cannot make it to the event, please contact the team via the email bookings@designmuseum.org as soon as possible, and we will get in touch to exchange your ticket for another time.
• Please note that the museum cafe will not be open during this time, but there are many cafes and restaurants in the area.
• The museum's High Street Shop will be open until 20:00
Access information
For additional information about accessibility at the museum, including a digital version of the exhibition's Large Print Guide, please visit our Access page.
The exhibition
Background image: Barbie: The Exhibition 2024 © Jo Underhill for the Design Museum