A BARBIE exhibition is set to make its Scottish debut in a major city next year.
Barbie: The Exhibition will open in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum on June 13, 2026, exploring the history and design of one the world’s most famous dolls.
It was originally created and hosted by the Design Museum in London and aims to celebrate the legacy and impact of the Mattel doll, first created by Ruth Handler in 1959.
Kim Culmone, senior vice president 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.
“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, hosted in partnership with cultural charity Glasgow Life, will feature over 250 dolls and related objects, including a rare, hand-painted Barbie from 1959 which will greet visitors as the enter the exhibition.
The first “moving” Barbie will also be featured in the exhibition, alongside a prototype of a talking doll and variations released throughout the last six decades to highlight “evolving cultural shifts around diversity and representation”.
The exhibition was originally designed by Sam Jacob Studio and the layout is said to reflect the evolution of Barbie and its impact on design and culture since its original release.
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.
“Glasgow Life is delighted to be working with the Design Museum and Mattel to give visitors an opportunity to get up close to some of the most significant and instantly recognisable Barbie dolls from nearly 70 years. For generations of Barbie fans and new audiences alike, this promises to be a joyful and memorable experience.”
As well as original Barbie products, including the first iteration of the Dream House and several popular vehicles, costumes from the Oscar-nominated 2023 film starring Margot Robbie will also be on display.
Mattel facilitated key loans and access to the doll's archives in California as part of the exhibition.
Barbie: The Exhibition opens to the public on June 13, 2026 and will run until October 18. Those wishing to be kept up to date on the progress of the exhibit can sign up for updates via the Glasgow Life website.
