Barbie has shaped the childhoods of many Glaswegians: from that exhilarating feeling of unboxing a brand new doll to dressing it up, brushing its hair, and then playing with one’s new friend in the doll house (or creating our own, makeshift doll houses). Soon, locals and visitors alike will be able to reminisce about the famous dolls at ‘Barbie: The Exhibition’.
‘Barbie: The Exhibition’ is coming to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum between June 13 and October 18, 2026, telling the tale of the evolution and history of Barbie. Guests can expect to witness a hand-painted doll from 1959 – the year Ruth Handler invented the Barbie – right as they enter.
What is more, the exhibition showcases 250 dolls in addition to a myriad of accessories and doll houses. Originally designed by Sam Jacob Studio, the layout reflects the evolution of Barbie and its impact on design and culture over the decades. And yes, there will be the very first design of the Barbie Dream House, alongside some popular vehicles.
But that is not all – visitors can also marvel at some of the costumes from the Oscar-nominated 2023 film starring Margot Robbie!
Kim Culmone, SVP of design for Mattel, said: “Since her debut in 1959, Barbie has become an international icon and inspiration that continues to spark conversation, creativity, and self-expression around the world.
She added: “This exhibition tells the story of Barbie through a design lens, including fashion, architecture, furniture, and vehicle design, which are all spaces where she has left a mark on culture during her remarkable more than 65-year legacy. We can’t wait for fans and audiences to continue to experience this exhibition with Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum next June.”
Tim Marlow, director and CEO of the Design Museum, said: “Design has been at the heart of the Barbie story ever since the creation of the first doll 66 years ago, and the impact has evolved with each new generation.”
“Before we opened the exhibition at the Design Museum last year, we expressed the hope that it would be a joyful, fascinating, inspiring, illuminating and even nostalgic experience for generations of Barbie fans – and it was all those things and more, with public interest exceeding even our confident expectations.
“I have no doubt that in another world-class museum in Glasgow, this engagement will continue and we look forward to seeing both the exhibition re-staged and new audiences encountering a re-framed cultural icon.”
Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life, said: “This will be the first time a Scottish museum has staged a major exhibition devoted to Barbie. Barbie is not just an icon but a creative force that has sparked excitement, ideas and conversations for decades.”
“For generations of Barbie fans and new audiences alike, this promises to be a joyful and memorable experience.”