Chances are, you – or someone close to you – grew up with a Barbie doll. Perhaps it was Malibu Barbie, Astronaut Barbie, Day-to-Night Barbie or Air Force Pilot Barbie.
Now, you can take a trip down memory lane at Barbie: The Exhibition at Melbourne Museum. Making its Australian debut on November 28, the exhibition brings together more than 250 Barbie dolls along with their outfits, accessories, vehicles and furniture. Spanning 67 years of history, it was created by London’s Design Museum in partnership with Mattel, and explores how a doll first launched in 1959 became one of the most recognisable toys in the world.
And there are some seriously special Barbies to meet. We’re talking the ultra-rare Number 1 Barbie from 1959, complete with hand-painted features and instantly recognisable black-and-white striped swimsuit. You can also peek inside the very first Barbie Dreamhouse from 1962, see the famously big-haired Totally Hair Barbie, check out a Talking Barbie prototype and even spend time with Ken.
And you'll be glad to learn that Barbie isn’t stuck in 1959. The exhibition charts her evolution alongside changing ideas about fashion, beauty, identity and representation, with dolls reflecting different skin tones, body types, hairstyles, physical traits, neurodivergence and health conditions.
So, whether you’re a lifelong Barbie fan, a collector, or simply curious about the doll who has been part of your childhood, Barbie: The Exhibition promises a fascinating look into her world.
'Barbie: The Exhibition' runs from November 28, 2026 to May 16, 2027 at Melbourne Museum. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $20 for children and you can get them here.
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