Somehow, it’s been three years since the Barbie movie danced its way into our hearts. And if you were as obsessed with it as we were, and you loved going to places like the Barbie-themed cafe, then you’ll love what’s coming up at Melbourne Museum. Put on some pink and celebrate all things Barbie in a delightful exhibition for all ages. Created by the Design Museum in London, you’ll explore the influence and legacy of this iconic doll. See over 250 objects, including houses, vehicles, accessories, fashion and friends like Ken. Barbie: The Exhibition will open at Melbourne Museum on Saturday, November 28, and tickets are on sale now.
Barbie: The Exhibition at Melbourne Museum
This exhibition was originally created to coincide with Barbie’s 65th anniversary. The display was one of the most visited exhibitions ever staged by the Design Museum. And soon, it will make its Australian debut right here in Melbourne.
“Before we opened the exhibition at the Design Museum in 2024, we expressed the hope that it would be a joyful, fascinating, inspiring, illuminating and even nostalgic experience for generations of Barbie fans,” said Tim Marlow, Director and CEO of the Design Museum. “And it was all of those things and more, with public interest exceeding even our confident expectations. I have no doubt that in another world-class museum in Melbourne, this engagement will continue and we look forward to seeing both the exhibition re-staged and new audiences encountering a re-framed cultural icon.”
Trace Barbie’s story from 1959, when Ruth Handler wished to make a different narrative for her daughter, Barbara. See the journey from Barbie ‘the doll’ to Barbie ‘the brand’, and explore its impact on design and culture over the decades.
The exhibition will showcase 150 remarkable dolls, including a rare first-edition Barbie from 1959, hand-painted and dressed in a black-and-white bathing suit. You’ll also see the first Barbie that could ‘move’, a unique Talking Barbie prototype and the best-selling Totally Hair Barbie. As you go, you’ll see Barbie’s appearance change in response to cultural shifts around diversity and representation.
And for all who believe that they are ‘Kenough’, there will be a section devoted entirely to Ken!
You’ll also see fun items like vehicles and furniture, including the first Barbie Dreamhouse from 1962.
This exhibition is presented in partnership with Mattel, who helped facilitate key loans for the display, as well as granted access to the Barbie archives in California.
Key details:
đź“…Saturday, November 28 to Sunday, May 16, 2027
🎫$30 for adults, $25 for concession and $20 for children.
đź“Ť11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053
Learn more about the exhibition here.
