The Barbie exhibition will showcase the first-edition doll and explore its cultural influence over the years.
Barbie: The Exhibition will tell the story of the doll and its cultural impact through the decades.
Barbie: The Exhibition is set to narrate the brand’s journey and its profound cultural influence across various eras.
Among the multitude of “unique and groundbreaking” Barbies, the iconic doll originating from 1959 will be prominently showcased.
Over 250 artifacts, ranging from attire to advertisements and “dreamhouses,” will be featured.
Referred to by collectors as the Number 1 Barbie, this highly sought-after inaugural edition embodies the classic blonde figure clad in a black-and-white chevron swimsuit, complete with foot perforations for stand attachment.
The museum believes it to be the oldest Barbie doll within a UK museum collection.
Tim Marlow, the museum’s director and CEO, envisions the exhibition as a source of joy, fascination, inspiration, illumination, and perhaps even nostalgia for generations of Barbie enthusiasts.
The museum has collaborated with Mattel, the parent company of Barbie, to showcase select pieces from its archives located in Los Angeles.
Additionally, visitors can explore a unique landscape crafted by Sam Joseph Studio.
According to exhibition curator Danielle Thom, “The Barbie universe is vast and dynamic, owing to the meticulous efforts of talented designers spanning 65 years. Barbie stands as one of the most universally recognized instances of world-building through product and graphic design. Consequently, she has served as inspiration for countless designers and artists who engage with her history.”
Thom further emphasizes, “The narrative of Barbie’s design offers a compelling focus for our museum to illuminate.”
In 1959, Barbie debuted following Ruth Handler’s aspiration to offer her daughter Barbara a distinct narrative. Enthusiasts of Barbie will delve into her inception and explore her through various design perspectives, encompassing fashion, architecture, furniture, and vehicle design. The event will feature a unique talking Barbie prototype, the iconic Totally Hair doll introduced in 1968, and archival footage of Barbie’s inaugural TV commercial from 1959.
Ken, Barbie’s male counterpart, will also have his own dedicated section in the museum, showcasing six decades of his history. The exhibit will delve into the evolution of Barbie’s appearance in response to changing cultural trends and will offer an exclusive glimpse into Mattel’s design processes.
Visitors can expect to see the first black, Hispanic, and Asian dolls, as well as the initial “curvy” Barbie and various dolls representing disabilities. Kim Culmone, Mattel’s senior vice president, expressed excitement about the exhibition, stating, “Barbie has transcended borders to become a global icon, igniting conversations, fostering creativity, and encouraging self-expression worldwide. We eagerly anticipate fans and audiences experiencing this exhibit at the esteemed Design Museum this July.”
Following the success of the highly acclaimed live-action Barbie movie featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, which dominated the box office in 2023, the announcement has been made. Not only did the film secure the Golden Globe for its cinematic excellence and commercial success, but it has also garnered nominations for numerous Oscars, notably for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Scheduled to commence on July 5th, 2024, the exhibition will be held at the Design Museum and will run until early 2025. Tickets will be available for purchase through the museum’s website.
If you’re a Barbie enthusiast like me, you definitely don’t want to miss out on this. The exhibition promises to take us on a nostalgic journey through the evolution of Barbie, from her early days to the present. Who’s excited to witness a piece of Barbie history? I know I am! Stay tuned for more details and get ready to relive your Barbie memories!
Read More: The Economic Impact and Enchanting Extravaganza of Barbie Movies
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