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CURRENTLY ON VIEW AT NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM UNTIL MARCH 2026
BARBIE: A CULTURAL ICON
Exhibition Details
SIZE:
5,000 - 9,000 sqft
CEILING HEIGHT:
11' ft
AVAILABILITY:
* Inquire for availability
Barbie: A Cultural Icon takes visitors from 1959 to the present day. The exhibition showcases an evolution of fashion and societal changes through Barbie, a children’s toy doll created to empower and delight young girls. A true reflection of culture, notably through Barbie’s fashion trends and career choices, there’s no other object like Barbie that can serve as such an iconic time capsule from the past and a cheerleader for women everywhere today.
Covering six decades of the toy’s history, visitors will explore a world of Barbie fashion history. The exhibition is created for everyone and has been enjoyed by multiple generations offering moments of nostalgia, delight, and inspiration to all ages.
Barbie®: A Cultural Icon examines the Barbie brand’s 60+ year history and the doll’s global impact on pop culture. Across six distinct sections, visitors experience more than 250 vintage dolls—including the original Barbie—from the collections of private collector David Porcello and Mattel, life-size fashion designs, exclusive interviews, and narrative sections that consider the style trends, careers, and identities that Barbie has embodied and popularized over the decades.
Key Experiences:
- 60 years of Barbie with 250 dolls, outfits, and accessories
- The original 1959 Barbie with her 12 original ensembles
- The original Barbie Dreamhouse
- Full size 1984 Corvette in mirror pink
- Andy Warhol’s Barbie, Portrait of BillyBoy (facsimile)
- Barbie’s Dreamhouse photo op
- “Behind the Seams” Barbie prototyping experience
- Video interviews and original video advertisements
- Barbie Box promotional photo ops for Barbie and Ken
Celebrate six decades of style, culture, and empowerment with Barbie: A Cultural Icon Exhibition. From her 1959 debut to her modern-day influence, Barbie’s journey inspires and delights audiences of all generations. This vibrant, nostalgic exhibition is a true time capsule of history and creativity.
Created and toured by Illusion Projects Inc., curated by Karan Feder, in partnership with Mattel Inc., and distributed by Dala Projects.
Here is what they are Saying...
PREVIOUS HOSTS
"Unofficial Galaxies was not only visually stunning and expertly curated, but also brought thousands of visitors to Peterborough Cathedral, creating unforgettable experiences and raising vital funds for our historic site. Your team’s professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail have made a lasting impact."
— Maria Elsey, Head of Operations, Peterborough Cathedral, UK
“Partnering with WTE and the team to bring Unofficial Galaxies to COSI has been a stellar experience—pun intended. Their passion, responsiveness, and eye for quality have helped us deliver an exhibition that wows guests while respecting the stories behind the creations. We are proud to feature their work at COSI.”
— Josh Sarver, Chief Experience Officer,
Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
“Through this extraordinary collection, we are showcasing different aspects of pop culture, including the world of fan culture,” said Claudia Damiani, Mulva Cultural Center director of exhibits and education. “For generations, these films have captured the imaginations of audiences, and we’re thrilled to offer an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the galaxy far, far away with family and friends.”
