Scotland's first Barbie Exhibition to open at Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow on June 13

Scotland’s first-ever Barbie exhibition will open at Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow this weekend.

The exhibition will see more than 250 objects from dolls to dreamhouses go on display at the art gallery, exploring almost 70 years of Barbie history, fashion and design – as well as the toy’s cultural impact.

Presented by Glasgow Life in partnership with the Design Museum, London, and Mattel Inc, Kelvingrove’s lower gallery will be transformed into a celebration of all things Barbie for four months.

Opening on Saturday and running until October 18, Barbie: The Exhibition traces the evolution of Barbie from its 1959 debut to the present day.

Among the exhibit’s 150 dolls on display is a rare, original hand-painted Number 1 Barbie from 1959, as well as 1971’s Sunset Malibu Barbie, 1985’s Day to Night Barbie and the best-selling Totally Hair Barbie from 1992.

The exhibition also explores how Barbie has grown to reflect the world around her, from the early milestone dolls to the first Black, Hispanic and Asian dolls to carry the Barbie name.

Wheelchair Barbie was introduced in recent years 2019 Mattel

In recent years, this has expanded to Barbies representing people with Down’s syndrome and people who use a wheelchair.

The wider Barbie world is also explored, with a dedicated Ken section charting his evolution following his debut in 1961.

Visitors can also view original Barbie outfits up close, including standout couture collaborations that highlight the creativity behind the brand’s design history.

Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Barbie: The Exhibition to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and are proud to be the first venue in Scotland to host this major exhibition.

“Barbie has inspired generations through fashion, creativity, ambition and play, and this exhibition gives visitors the opportunity to explore that remarkable story in fresh and surprising ways.

“From rare early dolls and Dreamhouses to fashion, design and pop culture moments, there is something for everyone to discover. We know this exhibition will be one of the standout cultural experiences of the summer, attracting visitors from across Glasgow, Scotland and beyond.”

Tim Marlow, director and CEO of the Design Museum, added: “Design has been at the heart of the Barbie story ever since the creation of the first doll 67 years ago, and the impact has evolved with each new generation.

“Before we opened the exhibition at the Design Museum in 2024, 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.”

Tickets are available at www.glasgowlife.org.uk/barbie.