Looking good for 67 is the elegant Barbie® pretty in pink and ready to shine.
Probably the most famous fashion doll in the world, she came from humble beginnings, designed by American businesswoman Ruth Handler and unveiled to the world by Mattel on 9th March 1959.
Now a powder pink exhibition dedicated to the children’s favourite has opened at Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow and runs until 18th October, bringing more than 250 objects, exploring over 67 years of Barbie history, fashion, design and cultural impact to Scotland for the first time.
And it’s a must for anyone who has owned a Barbie or her sweetheart Kenneth Sean Carson Jr or Ken for short.
Having met Barbie in 1961 on the set of their first television advert together, the couple fell in love and started dating.
Barbie broke up with Ken on Valentine’s Day in 2004 and to impress her, he was given a makeover from stylist, Philip Bloch in 2006.
The exhibition traces the evolution of Barbie through a rich display of dolls, fashions, Dreamhouses, vehicles, accessories and rare archive material.
And there is a behind-the-scenes insight into the design innovation, craftsmanship and creative processes that have shaped the doll across generations, helping Barbie remain culturally relevant in an ever changing world.
Among the exhibition’s most remarkable objects is a rare, original hand-painted Number 1 Barbie from 1959.
It is the first of more than 150 dolls on display, charting the evolution of Barbie through decades of design and cultural change. Highlights include iconic dolls such as 1971’s Sunset Malibu Barbie, 1985’s Day to Night Barbie and the best-selling Totally Hair Barbie from 1992.
From early milestone dolls to the first black, Hispanic and Asian dolls to carry the Barbie name, the exhibition explores how Barbie has grown to better reflect the world around her.
These are displayed alongside more recent designs that broaden representation, including the first Barbie with Down Syndrome and a wheelchair doll, showing how the brand has continued to adapt to reflect changes in society and culture.
Fashion, architecture and interiors are central themes throughout the exhibition with dozens of original outfits on show together with Dreamhouses and accessories that chart changing trends in style, design and modern living over the past six decades.
The wider world of Barbie is also explored with a dedicated section on Ken and his evolution since debuting 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.
The final section explores how the brand’s influence has reached beyond play, examining Barbie as a global cultural icon with continuing impact on fashion, film, creativity and popular culture.
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.”
Barbie®: The Exhibition runs until 18th October 2026 with tickets available from: www.glasgowlife.org.uk.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Images courtesy of ©2026 Mattel
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