Barbie is back as the Design Museum announces their new exhibit for 2024
If you've been longing for more Barbie in your life after this summer's blockbuster movie, your wish is about to come true. London's Design Museum is set to host a captivating exhibition on the history of the iconic doll next year, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into Barbie's evolution over the past 65 years.
The museum has secured special access to the Barbie archives in California through a partnership with Mattel, where it will unearth dozens of both rare and familiar items to narrate the brand's remarkable journey. Barbie, the brainchild of US businesswoman Ruth Handler, made her debut in 1959 under Mattel with her brand value skyrocketing into the millions by the 1980’s.
The Design Museum's exhibition will not only delve into Barbie's history but also explore her impact on multiple design fields, including fashion and vehicle design. Since its establishment in 1989, the Design Museum has organised over 100 exhibitions exploring various aspects of design, from fashion to product and graphic design. Notable items previously displayed at the museum include an AK-47 and high heels by Christian Louboutin.
Tim Marlow, the CEO of the Design Museum, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Barbie is one of the most recognisable brands on the planet, and as we've seen recently, her story evolves with each new generation... We look forward next year to displaying a whole range of eye-catching objects, some familiar but many never seen before, to showcase the evolution of design across the decades of Barbie's world."
The Barbie exhibition is set to open at the Design Museum on 5th July 2024 and run until February 2025, providing an exciting opportunity to dive into the colourful history of this beloved and influential toy. So mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate Barbie's 65th birthday in style.
