London’s Design Museum Barbie Exhibition: Top Photo Spots and Visitor Info

by | Jul 16, 2024 | Blog, London

Come with me to the Barbie exhibition in the Design Museum in Kensington. I was so excited to visit this special display celebrating the 65th year of the iconic Barbie brand. Expect an overload of bubblegum pink and a journey through Barbie history!

I grew up with Barbie and her many wonderful outfits! Think voluminous shimmering ballgowns to fluorescent work out gear! She’s SUCH a hard worker that she’s ticked off every single job from pilot to president. This exhibition rounds off a triumphant year after the smash hit Barbie Movie. I love the continued wonderful celebration of this powerful brand. As Barbie says, You Can Be Anything! Come on Barbie, let’s go party in London:

Where is the Barbie Exhibition in London?

This pink paradise is just off Kensington High Street and is on the edge of Holland Park. The exhibition is a mere 9 minutes walk away from High Street Kensington Underground Station. The marketing of this exhibition starts at High Street Kensington with posters at the exit of the tube. You can also come in from Notting Hill Gate and the walk is a little longer, but pretty.

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How much is the Barbie Exhibition

It is free to go into the Design Museum but the Barbie part is ticketed. Make sure you book beforehand as it gets very busy. Adult prices are £14.38. The Barbie shop is actually in a separate building and you can go in without a ticket.

What should I wear to the Barbie Exhibition?

Pink, pink and more pink! It isn’t SO HUGE that you couldn’t wear a small heel but London exhibitions are pretty casual. I wore a long pink maxi dress and a Barbie Jumper. Mollie is wearing white trousers and a pink top. We’re both in trainers! You can find more Barbiecore inspired fashion ideas here.

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How long will you be in the Barbie exhibition?

It takes about an hour for the exhibition and a little extra for the shop. Just like Barbie it it is small but perfectly formed.

What are the best photo opportunities at the Barbie exhibition?

1 The Barbie box is just outside the exhibition door
2 The Barbie sign next to the High Street is fun for a selfie
3 The pink Design Museum sign
4 The Barbie logo wall in the exhibition
5 The metallic pink wall in the final room with the Margot Robbie film posters

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What is in the Barbie Exhibition?

A journey through Barbie timeline. There will be all the different Barbie variations through the years including friends and family like Skipper, Midge and Alan. And just Ken. There are all of Barbie’s jobs; president, policewoman and so on! You’ll also find the dream houses, cars and accessories.

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What can you do after the Barbie Exhibition in Kensington?

As a Kensington girl, here’s my go-to activities after visiting:

  1. Go to the Barbie shop to buy a book, poster or mug
  2. Go and look around the rest of the Design museum
  3. Go for lunch at nearby Balans, The Ivy, Jacuzzi or Dishoom
  4. Head to the shops with Cos, Zara and H&M. Or hop on the bus to Harvey Nichols and Harrods which is just 20 minutes away
  5. Pop to Holland Park or Kensington Palace Gardens for a walk
  6. Head for an ice-cream at Amorino
  7. Book Afternoon Tea at The Orangery in Kensington Palace Gardens
  8. If you fancy a little walk, head to the pastel houses in Kensington – more on those here.
  9. Check out the flower covered pub on Kensington Church Street – The Churchill Arms – more on this here.

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The exhibition is on until 23 February 2025.

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