Barbie, the world-famous doll who has both inspired and divided generations, is set to take center stage in Glasgow next year. From June 13 to October 18, 2026, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum will host 'Barbie: The Exhibition,' a vibrant showcase dedicated to the evolution and cultural impact of the iconic figure. This marks the first time a major Scottish museum has staged an exhibition of this scale devoted to Barbie, promising to be a nostalgic journey for longtime fans and a fascinating discovery for new audiences.
According to Secret Glasgow, the exhibition will tell the tale of Barbie’s journey since her debut in 1959, when Ruth Handler invented the doll that would become a global sensation. Visitors will be greeted by a hand-painted Barbie from that inaugural year, dressed in her classic black and white bathing suit—a detail confirmed by both Secret Glasgow and The Herald’s arts diary. This rare artifact sets the stage for a sweeping exploration of Barbie's 65-year legacy.
But the exhibition doesn’t stop at a single doll. Guests can expect to see an impressive array of 250 Barbie dolls, along with a trove of accessories and doll houses, as Secret Glasgow reports. The Herald notes that 150 individual dolls will be on display, but the higher figure from the official announcement suggests an expanded collection for the Glasgow showing. Among the highlights is the original 1962 Dream House, made of cardboard—a piece that evokes the imaginative play of generations past and serves as a testament to Barbie’s enduring appeal. The very first design of the Barbie Dream House and some of Barbie’s most beloved vehicles will also be on display, offering a window into the ways play, design, and aspiration have intertwined over the decades.
For those whose fascination with Barbie was reignited by the recent blockbuster, there’s even more to look forward to. The exhibition will feature costumes from the Oscar-nominated 2023 film starring Margot Robbie, allowing visitors to see up close the vibrant outfits that helped bring Barbie’s world to life on the big screen. This nod to contemporary pop culture underscores Barbie’s ability to adapt and remain relevant, even as tastes and trends shift.
The exhibition’s layout, originally crafted by Sam Jacob Studio, is designed to reflect the evolution of Barbie and her far-reaching influence on design and culture. As Tim Marlow, director and CEO of the Design Museum, told Secret Glasgow, "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." Marlow went on to reflect on the exhibition’s earlier run in London, noting, "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." He expressed confidence that the Glasgow iteration would continue this legacy, bringing Barbie’s story to new audiences in a world-class setting.
Kim Culmone, SVP of design for Mattel, emphasized Barbie’s global impact since her creation. "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," Culmone said, as reported by Secret Glasgow. "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."
The exhibition’s arrival in Glasgow is not just a coup for Barbie enthusiasts but a milestone for Scottish cultural life. Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life, highlighted the significance: "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."
The Herald’s arts diary adds a personal perspective, recalling the author’s own childhood preference for Sindy dolls in the 1980s. Sindy, the author notes, was "marginally more diverse" and "not quite as improbably skinny" as Barbie, offering a contrast that resonated with some children at the time. Despite never owning a Barbie, the author admits to being intrigued by the upcoming exhibition and plans to be among the first through the doors at Kelvingrove. This anecdote captures the complex relationship many have with Barbie—admired by some, critiqued by others, but rarely ignored.
Barbie’s journey has been anything but straightforward. Since Ruth Handler introduced her to the world, Barbie has sparked debates about body image, diversity, and gender roles. Over the years, Mattel has responded to criticism by introducing dolls with a broader range of skin tones, hair textures, and body shapes, striving to make Barbie more inclusive and reflective of the world children see around them. The exhibition’s design lens—spanning fashion, architecture, furniture, and vehicles—offers a chance to see how Barbie has both shaped and responded to cultural shifts.
For many Glaswegians, Barbie evokes memories of childhood—of unboxing a new doll, brushing her hair, and creating elaborate stories in makeshift doll houses. Yet, as the exhibition makes clear, Barbie’s influence extends far beyond playtime. She has become a symbol of changing aspirations, a canvas for creative expression, and, at times, a lightning rod for cultural debate.
The exhibition’s successful run at London’s Design Museum, as noted by both Secret Glasgow and The Herald, bodes well for its Glasgow debut. Public interest in London exceeded expectations, with visitors drawn by the chance to revisit a beloved icon and explore her role in the broader story of design. The move to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is expected to draw crowds from across Scotland and beyond, eager to experience Barbie’s world up close.
In the end, 'Barbie: The Exhibition' is more than a display of dolls and accessories. It’s a celebration of imagination, creativity, and the enduring power of a cultural icon to inspire conversation and connection across generations. For fans and skeptics alike, the exhibition offers a chance to see Barbie in a new light—and maybe, just maybe, to rediscover a bit of childhood wonder along the way.
