Barbie: The Exhibition

The Design Museum

★★★★ The Guardian

'a riot of pink that makes you think... Barbie: The Exhibition is fun, glossy, nostalgic, escapist and just the thing for summer holidays'
★★★★ The Times

'It's fantastic... you do not need to be a Barbie fan to enjoy'
Wallpaper*

'a joyful celebration of fashion, play, design and girlhood'
★★★★ Time Out

Barbie: The Exhibition 2024 © Jo Underhill for the Design Museum

Barbie: The Exhibition showcases the evolution of one of the world's most famous dolls. Featuring over 250 objects, the exhibition explores how the changing designs of Barbie have reflected the social and cultural shifts over the toy’s 65 years. Highlights include a rare first edition of the very first doll released by Mattel in 1959 (‘Number 1 Barbie’), the groundbreaking Day to Night Barbie from 1985 and the best-selling Barbie of all time, 1992’s Totally Hair Barbie which sold over 10 million across the globe.

Beam worked with Sam Jacobs Studio to develop a playful and beautiful backdrop for the hundreds of objects and dolls. Integrated lighting within bespoke showcases in a variety of styles helped display the dolls in great detail whilst also maintaining conservation requirements.