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The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) is thrilled to present: Barbie®: A Cultural Icon. This museum-quality exhibition is a collaboration with Illusion Projects and Mattel, Inc., a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world.

On view from August 6 – September 22, 2024, the exhibition charts the 65-year history of Barbie and the doll’s global impact on fashion and popular culture through an expansive display, including:

• More than 250 vintage dolls,
• Life-size Barbie Ultravette™, a mirror-pink Corvette available for guest interaction and photo opportunities,
• Life-size Barbie boxes, available for guest interaction and photo opportunities,
• Life-size fashion designs,
• Advertisements and other ephemera,
• Exclusive video interviews with the doll’s designers, and narrative sections that highlight the style trends, careers, and identities that Barbie has embodied and popularized over the decades,

Inspired by the brand’s influence on culture, visitors to the exhibition will trace Barbie’s evolution from a child’s toy to a global icon across six distinct sections. The opening section relays the Barbie origin story and presents all 22 original ensemble outfits, while subsequent areas consider the influence of the Space Age; the creation of Christie, the first Black doll; the arrival of Ken; and the creation of the Barbie Dreamhouse™.
 
Visitors will also see Barbie in the iconic fashions:

• The 1970s, including Groovy Style, beachwear, and disco-themed designs,
• The 1980s and 1990s present a selection of diverse Barbie dolls representing a range of ethnicities, body types, and careers, including a feature on the first Black Barbie. T
• The 2000s, spotlighting the continued diversification of characters within the Barbie universe and connecting them to contemporary fashion trends, perspectives, and identities.

The exhibition, drawn from the private collection of David Porcello and Mattel, also features more than 50 historical objects and five unique photo opportunities, including a life-size Barbie Mirror-Pink Corvette with which visitors can interact. The exhibit will also showcase the Barbie Signature 65th Blue Sapphire Anniversary Fashion Dolls, paying homage to the iconic history and legacy of Barbie.

The exhibition at the DECC will be augmented with related special events and a selection of official merchandise on sale. For updates and information, visit madmuseum.org and subscribe to the Museum’s monthly newsletter. EXHIBITION CREDITS Barbie®: A Cultural Icon was created by Illusion Projects and curated by costume historian Karan Feder, in collaboration with Mattel.
 
August 6th – September 22nd
7 Days a week, starting August 6th – from 10AM-4PM, through September 2nd.  

Then- from 10AM-4PM Friday- Sunday starting September 6th through September 22nd.

Ticket sales close daily at 3:30PM.

Adults – ages 16+  $20  
Kids ages 5-15  $15
Kids under 5 Free