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If You’re a Barbie Fan, Visit the Barbie Exhibition at The Design Museum, London – Great for Barbie Fans Young and Old
Hey doll….if you are a Barbie fan, be sure to visit the Barbie Exhibition at the Design Museum. It’s a fascinating exhibition that shows the evolution of the world’s most famous dolls.
The Barbie exhibition at The Design Museum in London includes more than 250 dolls, furniture and accessories, from 1959 to the present day, and there are also some of Margo Robbie’s clothes from the latest Barbie movie.
My twelfth year has now passed playing with Barbies – that seems like a long life! – but he enjoyed it, as did I, a childhood 1980s toy lover (of course!). It was one of the best shows we’ve seen in a while, and as it’s on until February 2025, that’s why you should see it.
Is the Barbie Exhibit at the Design Museum?
As well as the first doll released by Mattel in 1959 (my 9th ‘Can I have it?’) there is a large display of new, popular and old dolls, Barbie chairs and accessories. All of Barbie’s friends are there – including Skipper and Midge – and there’s a huge selection of Just Kens.
We loved that it highlighted the diversity of Barbie, with examples of the first black, Hispanic and Asian dolls with the Barbie name, as well as the first Barbie with Down syndrome, the first to use a wheelchair, and several dolls with different body shapes.
As well as the dolls, the exhibition includes information about the history of Barbie, the evolution of her design and how the dolls are made. My kids usually go to museums but they find this fun.
For your fellow 1980s babies, there are plenty of classic Barbie dolls on display. Including the 1980s Peaches N Cream Barbie that I swear every girl had, or had a boyfriend who was very jealous of.
For Interiors Fans…Iconic Barbie Dreamhouses And Furniture
The Barbie exhibit also includes a variety of Dreamhouses, cars and furniture, and explores how the design reflects the tastes and styles of their creations as well as showcasing the latest in modern design.
I loved Barbie’s ‘trendy loft’ furniture from the 90s (with reclining sofas everywhere, of course!)
There’s also a dreamy selection of doll-sized designs, including the modern 1970s A frame Dreamhouse (my dream house!).
Barbie Movie Costumes
The last room displays Barbie’s current collection, including designer clothes, magazine covers and some of Margot Robbie’s clothes from the latest Barbie movie (recognize this?)
What Age Is The Barbie Show For?
First of all, The Barbie Exhibition is great for adults (I would happily go back for another long visit). There is a lot of fun involved with the desire to be recognized from your childhood, and the things to be recognized from your children’s childhood. The display also looks amazing – it’s really well done (love the pink and silver foil in the last room).
Depending on the age that is most suitable for children, it is a display of toys that you cannot touch toys,
With that in mind, the Design Museum has a Barbies cart that you can ride around the museum which I thought was fun.
However I would say it’s great for slightly older kids (school age and up!)
Should I Book Tickets in Advance?
Do you need to book tickets to the Barbie Exhibition? Yes, you need to pre-book the tickets and even if you think that bees at a time, they still sell quickly (we went at the very end of summer but it was pre-booked a few days in advance).
Barbie tickets are around £8 for children and £16 for adults.
What is the Barbie Gift Shop?
Very important question! If your kids are anything like mine, they love good gift shops – yes – but it’s hard to find ones that have good/useful options that aren’t outrageously priced.
During the Barbie Exhibition, as well as the Design Museum’s gift shop – which sells items you’d expect from a museum – there’s also a Barbie gift shop at the entrance to the museum. I was very impressed with the variety of products – as well as the big ticket dolls for sale, there is a good selection of smaller and cheaper dolls, keepsakes and cards.
Where is The Design Museum?
The Design Museum is located at 224-238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG.
The nearest tube stations are High Street Kensington, Earl’s Court and Holland Park.
Find out more on the Design Museum website and book tickets here.
Some of our favorite London museums:
Museum of Childhood / The Postal Museum / And Tate Modern