By Ambarish Awale
Copyright dailyrecord
A major exhibition celebrating 70 years of Barbie is set to make its Scottish debut at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum next summer. Running from June 13 to October 18, 2026, Barbie: The Exhibition first opened in July 2024 at the Design Museum in London, curated by Danielle Thom, and is now heading north to showcase the iconic doll’s enduring influence. Visitors will encounter more than 150 notable dolls, including a rare first edition from 1959, hand-painted and dressed in a black-and-white bathing suit, which will be the first exhibit guests see upon entering, Glasgow Live reports. The exhibition also features the first Barbie capable of movement, a unique Talking Barbie prototype, and the best-selling Totally Hair Barbie. These appear alongside a selection of dolls that reflect the evolution of Barbie in response to cultural shifts around diversity and representation. In addition to the dolls, the exhibition presents over 250 objects exploring fashion, architecture, furniture, vehicle design and Barbie’s many friends, charting the brand’s creative impact across decades. Designed by Sam Jacob Studio, the exhibition layout traces the evolution of Barbie and her influence on design and culture since her 1959 debut, when inventor Ruth Handler crafted a new narrative for her daughter, Barbara. Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life , said the organisation is “delighted” to offer visitors the chance to see some of the most significant Barbie dolls from nearly 70 years. “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,” she added. Christie described the exhibition as “a joyful and memorable experience” for both long-time fans and new audiences. Tim Marlow, director and CEO of the Design Museum, reflected on the exhibition’s London run. “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. “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 said. Marlow added: “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.” Kim Culmone, SVP of design for Mattel, emphasised Barbie’s global influence. “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,” she said. Culmone added: “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.”