The Design Museum in London has teamed up with toy maker Mattel to present an exhibition spanning 65 years of the iconic fashion doll Barbie.
The Barbie exhibition will represent the Barbie legacy that began in 1959 when Ruth Handler wanted to create a different perspective for her daughter Barbara through the perspective of design, including fashion, architecture, furniture and automotive design, while exploring the evolution of a of the world’s most famous dolls.
The exhibition has been three years in the making and is curated by Danielle Thom of the Design Museum. The London museum was given special access to the extensive Barbie archives in California. Dozens of rare and unique items are on display, along with other important loans and acquisitions, to tell the story of the iconic brand over the last six and a half decades.
Barbie celebrates her 65th birthday in London
“Barbie is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, and as we have recently seen, her story continues to evolve with each new generation,” said Tim Marlow, Director and CEO of the Design Museum. “We look forward to showcasing a range of fascinating objects next year, some familiar but many never seen before, to illustrate the evolution of design over the decades of Barbie’s world.”
“We are thrilled to announce this partnership with the Design Museum and tell the story of the brand’s evolution,” added Julie Freeland, Senior Director of Global Location Based Entertainment at Mattel. “Barbie is a brand that has been beloved around the world for nearly 65 years, and this is the perfect moment to reflect on the cultural role Barbie has played over the decades. And what better partner for this moment than the world’s leading museum of contemporary design?”
The exhibition will open next year from July 5, 2024 to February 23, 2025 to mark Barbie’s 65th anniversary.
This translated article previously appeared on FashionUnited.uk