1959 Barbie No. 1 Photo: Mattel, Inc.

The Design Museum opens its doors to one of the most striking fashion events of 2024, “Barbie: The Exhibition,” in celebration of the 65th anniversary of the Barbie brand. Launching on July 5, 2024, the exhibition charts 65 years of design evolution of the world’s most famous doll. Curated by Danielle Thom, the collection reveals the innovative techniques and materials that have shaped Barbie’s journey over the decades since its creation by Ruth Handler in 1959.

1992 Totally Hair Barbie. Photo: Petra Rajnicova.

The exhibition, organized in collaboration with Mattel, features over 250 objects, including over 180 Barbie dolls, their dresses, and Dream Houses. Featuring some of the most recognizable Barbie dolls since the brand’s inception, the exhibition spotlights the rare first edition Barbie from 1959, the talking Barbie prototype from 1968, the highly popular Sunset Malibu Barbie from 1971, the groundbreaking Day to Night Barbie from 1985, and the 1992’s Totally Hair Barbie, the best-selling Barbie of all time. In addition to culturally significant Barbie dolls representing diversity—such as the first Black, Hispanic, and Asian dolls, as well as the first Barbie with Down syndrome, the first to use a wheelchair, and the first with a curvy body type—the exhibition also features a dedicated section showcasing the evolution of Ken dolls and Barbie’s many friends.

1980 Black Barbie. Photo: Mattel, Inc.

1992 Totally Hair Barbie. Photo: Mattel, Inc.

Another focus of the exhibition is Barbie’s origins as a fashion doll, and her impact on the wider history of modern dress. The exhibition includes dozens of original Barbie outfits, including the 1965’s “Poodle Parade”, a life-size replica of which was worn by Billie Eilish at the 2024 Grammy Awards, a 1985 outfit by Oscar de la Renta, the first designer collaboration with the brand, and original costumes worn by actors in the 2023 movie, Barbie. Visitors will witness the evolution of mainstream fashion over the past 65 years and see the influence of renowned designers, from Claire McCardell and Christian Dior to Nolan Miller and Zac Posen, on Barbie’s fashion.

1984 Peaches ‘N Cream Barbie. Photo: Mattel, Inc.

The exhibition also features an example of the first Barbie Dream House from 1962 in the modernist design of its era, several vehicles such as Barbie’s first car and camper van, as well as various other locations ranging from ski cabins to space stations, which, together, show how Barbie and her accessories have reflected the trends of their day and interacted with modern design. Concluding with a segment on Barbie’s evolution into a pop culture icon and the brand’s social advocacy efforts, the exhibition promises to inspire all who embark on this journey.

1961 Austin Healy. Photo: Mattel, Inc.

1962 Barbie Dream House. Photo: Mattel, Inc.

“Barbie: The Exhibition,” exploring Barbie’s rise to the status of a cultural symbol and her profound impact on design realms such as fashion, architecture, furniture, and vehicles, will be open until February 23, 2025.