Barbie exhibition comes to Glasgow for the first time

A exhibition showing how Barbie has changed through the years is opening in Scotland for the first time.

It explores the history of the doll from 1959 onwards, and features items including clothes, vehicles and playsets.

On display is a rare, hand-painted first-edition Barbie, alongside the first black, Hispanic and Asian versions of the doll.

Barbie Dreamhouses and accessories will also be on show, as will the first Barbie with Down's Syndrome and the first in a wheelchair.

"It's a riot of colour, and I think that visitors of all ages will be able to get a hit of nostalgia, regardless of which era of Barbie they are most familiar with from their childhood," said Danielle Thom, senior curator at the Design Museum.

Many of Barbie's friends also feature in the exhibition, including a section dedicated to Ken which explores how he has evolved since he made his debut in 1961.

There is also a Barbie Land section, with features costumes from the 2023 Barbie film.

Other highlights of the show include some of the most popular dolls over the decades, ranging from the 1971 Sunset Malibu Barbie to the 1985 Day to Night Barbie, whose pink work suit could be transformed into an evening gown.

Also on show will be two examples of 1992's Totally Hair Barbie, whose long hair reached down to her toes.

The show, which has more than 150 dolls exhibited, opens at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow this weekend.