A major exhibition exploring the design evolution of one of the world’s most famous dolls: Barbie.
In 2024, Design Museum launches a major new exhibition on Barbie, one of the world’s most famous dolls, coinciding with the 65th anniversary of the iconic brand. Curated by Danielle Thom and in collaboration with Mattel Inc., the museum was granted special access to the extensive Barbie archives in California.
The exhibition will feature rare items alongside key loans that together explore Barbie's design evolution in fashion, architecture, furniture, and vehicle design from 1959, when her inventor Ruth Handler sought to create a different narrative for her daughter, Barbara. The exhibition promises a comprehensive journey through six-and-a-half decades of the renowned doll's cultural impact.
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Visitor information
Address
224-238 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London, Greater London, W8 6AG
020386 25937
Opening times
10:00 – 17:00 Monday to Thursday
10:00 – 18:00 Friday to Sunday
Some ticketed exhibitions will remain open later on weekends – please check individual exhibition pages for details.
Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Please check the museum's website for updates.
Exclusions and safety measures
Pre-booking tickets online is recommended for paid exhibitions.
Our permanent collection is free and open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, no pre-booking is needed.
Cashless purchases only. Credit/debit card or mobile payments will be accepted at the shops. However, a £1 coin is needed for the lockers (a token can be purchased by card at our Ground floor shop).
Our bike parking capacity has been doubled so that more people can cycle to the museum.
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