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Barbie: A Cultural Icon Exhibition, the only approved Barbie doll exhibition touring the U.S., 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.

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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.

 

Created and toured by Illusion Projects Inc., curated by Karan Feder, in partnership with Mattel Inc., and distributed by Dala Projects.

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key experiences

60 years of Barbie with 250 dolls, outfits, and accessories

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The original 1959 Barbie with her 12 original ensembles

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The original Barbie Dreamhouse

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Full size 1984 Corvette in mirror pink

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Andy Warhol’s Barbie, Portrait of BillyBoy (facsimile)

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Barbie’s Dreamhouse photo op

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“Behind the Seams” Barbie prototyping experience

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Video interviews and original video advertisements

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Barbie Box promotional photo ops for Barbie and Ken

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exhibit specs

5,000 - 9,000 sqft

 

Now on Tour

Available to Museums​

tour itinerary

August 4 - September 10, 2023 - TELUS Spark Science Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

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February 14 - July 7, 2024 - Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix, Arizona

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August 6 - September 22, 2024 - Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Duluth, MN

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October 16, 2024 - March 16, 2025 - Museum of Arts and Design, New York City, New York

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April 4 - September 1, 2025 - Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati, Ohio

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AVAILABLE September 2025 - September 2027 (3+ month displays upon request)

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October 16, 2027 - January 2, 2028 - Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond, VA

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February 2028 & Onward

(RESERVATION REQUESTS CONSIDERED ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS)

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