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An immersive Barbie DreamHouse is in London’s West End this week

Hi Barbie! Don’t miss out on this free immersive art installation

India Lawrence
Written by
India Lawrence
Contributing writer
Pavillions of Wonder on the Strand
Photograph: Mattel / Barbie
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Barbiemania might have been last year (2024 is all about Brat Summer, duh), but that doesn’t mean London has totally gotten over the leggy blonde doll just yet. As well as the landmark Barbie exhibition at the Design Museum, there’s now a new attraction in the capital about the toy. An immersive art installation inspired by Barbie’s DreamHouse has been revealed on the Strand as part of the London Design Festival (LDF).

Designer Nina Tolstrup has created ‘Pavilions of Wonder’, which celebrates the architecture of the Barbie DreamHouse. The free installation, sponsored by Mattel, is inspired by the homes in Palm Springs, California, of which the midcentury modern architecture prompted the design of Barbie’s home. 

‘The theme for LDF this year is play, we originally were thinking of a fairground,’ Tolstrup told Dezeen. ‘Eventually we went to Palm Springs and studied the amazing houses there.

‘The pavilions sit together in harmony on the Strand,’ Tolstrup added.

The exhibition features three different immersive pavilions. As well as the structures which visitors can walk around and inside, there are real Barbie dolls on display. The installation is up until September 22.

Here’s a sneak peek of the artworks. 

Pavillions of Wonder on the Strand
Photograph: Mattel / Barbie
Pavillions of Wonder on the Strand
Photograph: Mattel / Barbie
A Barbie doll on display
Photograph: Mattel / Barbie

These are the best art exhibitions in London this autumn.

And here’s more free art in the capital

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