The Design Museum in London unveils an exhibition dedicated to the history of Barbie, celebrating the doll’s 65th anniversary in 2024. The showcase has been three years in the making and will start on July 5, 2024, telling the evolution of one of the most famous toys in the world.

In partnership with global toy company Mattel Inc., the Design Museum has obtained a special access to the great Barbie archives in California. The exhibition will feature dozens of rare and unique items from the archives, alongside key loans and acquisitions.

“Barbie is one of the most recognisable brands on the planet and as we’ve seen recently, her story evolves with each new generation," Tim Marlow, director and chief executive of the Design Museum, said in a statement. “I’m delighted that we can announce that we’re planning to mark Barbie’s 65th birthday with a major exhibition, and I want to thank Mattel for collaborating with us through their extensive archive to help us tell this story. We look forward next year to displaying a whole range of eye-catching objects, some familiar but many never seen before, to showcase the evolution of design across the decades of Barbie’s world.”

Curated by Danielle Thom, the exhibition will trace Barbie’s legacy that started in 1959 when Ruth Handler had the aim to creating a different narrative for her daughter, Barbara. It will explore the design evolution of Barbie’s fashion, architecture, furniture and vehicle design.

Barbie Expo
from July 05, 2024
Design Museum
224-238 Kensington High St
London W8 6AG, UK
designmuseum.org

Photo Courtesy Tom Wolfson