‘Barbie: The Exhibition’ Set for Scottish Debut

Following the record-breaking success of “Barbie: The Exhibition” at the Design Museum in Kensington, Mattel and Glasgow Life have announced that the landmark show will make its Scottish debut at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in 2026. 

Opening on 13 June and running through 18 Oct., 2026, the exhibition will showcase the 65-year legacy of the world’s most famous doll, framing Barbie as both a cultural icon and a design phenomenon. 

Originally conceived by the Design Museum in London and curated by Danielle Thom, “Barbie: The Exhibition” first opened in July 2024 and became one of the museum’s most well-attended shows in its 35-year history. 

Drawing more than 144,000 visitors, the exhibition earned acclaim for its immersive design and for spotlighting the Barbie brand’s enduring impact on fashion, architecture, furniture, vehicle design and pop culture. The second iteration at Kelvingrove will be the first major Barbie exhibition to be staged in Scotland. For a museum that houses works ranging from Salvador Dalí’s Christ of Saint John of the Cross to natural history wonders, the addition of Barbie reinforces Kelvingrove’s role as one of the U.K.’s most accessible and diverse cultural destinations. 

The Glasgow edition will feature more than 250 objects, including over 150 dolls, archival materials and designs. Visitors will see a rare No. 1 Barbie from 1959, hand-painted and dressed in the iconic black-and-white swimsuit. Other highlights include the first bendable Barbie, a unique “Talking Barbie” prototype, the “Totally Hair Barbie” (1992) and more that reflect the brand’s evolving representation of diversity. 

For Mattel, the enduring popularity of Barbie is rooted in her ability to adapt, inspire and spark dialogue across generations. The exhibition’s arrival in Glasgow is also a coup for Glasgow Life, the charity responsible for the city’s culture and events. 

“Barbie is not just an icon but a creative force that has sparked excitement, ideas and conversations for decades,” says Bailie Annette Christie, chair, Glasgow Life. “Glasgow Life is delighted to be working with the Design Museum and Mattel to allow visitors an opportunity to get up close to some of the most significant and instantly recognizable Barbie dolls from the last 70 years.”