In 1959, the world was introduced to an 11.5-inch-tall doll made by Mattel, called Barbie. Since then, she has become a cultural icon, taking on the world with great fashion statements and messages of female empowerment.
The Cincinnati Museum Center is now the fifth city in the nation to host the inspiring exhibit, Barbie™: A Cultural Icon, meticulously designed and toured by Illusion Projects Inc. and curated by Karan Feder, in partnership with Mattel Inc.
The exhibit takes visitors through an immersive Barbie world, starting with Barbie No. 1 in her black and white striped swimwear, black heels, a blonde ponytail and signature bangs. Next to Barbie No. 1 is Ken, who came only two years later, and the original 22 outfits that Barbie debuted with, which were individually selected by Mattel Founders Ruth and Elliot Handler.
The rest of the tour displays Barbie through the decades, showing how fashion, career, society and the doll herself evolved over time.
The 1960s
The ‘60s were one of the most iconic decades for Barbie, as shown in the exhibit. Barbie’s fashion followed the most influential women at the time. She was dressing in a Belle Dress like Jackie Kennedy, but also breaking boundaries by wearing a miniskirt, just as Mary Quant in London was doing.
As the Barbie phenomenon grew, she was representing more than fashion as a career-driven Barbie, inspiring women along the way. During the ‘60s, Flight Attendant Barbie, Ballerina Barbie, Astronaut Barbie and more were all on the shelves.
In 1962, The Barbie Dreamhouse was introduced with a mid-century modern style and demonstrated a woman purchasing her own home. The exhibit displays not only the original Dreamhouse, but also a life-size replica so patrons could become Barbie themselves.
Christie, the first Black doll, was introduced in 1968, representing the “Black and Beautiful” movement. The design of Christie was inspired by Black models at the time, such as Naomi Sims. Following the Civil Rights Movement, ending in 1968, Christie was culturally significant by catching consumers’ eyes and representing change in the world.
The 1970s
In the ’70s, Barbie was off to the beach and the legendary Malibu Barbie hit the shelves. Christie, Ken, PJ and Skipper all joined Barbie in this new era of sun-kissed fun.
Also in the ‘70s, Barbie was inspired by international themes, prairie style and the disco era. Barbie’s careers shifted to being an Olympic athlete after Billie Jean King won the “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match, and a surgeon after the female medical student rates skyrocketed.
The 1980s
In the ‘80s, Barbie and the Rockers — Angel Face Barbie, Dream Glow Barbie and the Ultra ‘Vette — wowed the world with bright colors, high fashion and a lot of metallic. Fashion partnerships with Mattel were totally tubular now as Mattel signed with the Dominican designer Oscar de la Renta. Great Shape Barbie, in her striped leg warmers and blue bodysuit, premiered in 1983.
1980 was a significant year for Mattel as they stopped making diverse dolls only Barbie’s friend, but made Barbie herself diverse, releasing the first Hispanic Barbie and Black Barbie.
“When I designed Black Barbie doll, I wanted her to reflect what Black culture was. When Black Barbie came out, it raised the bar on Black dolls,” said Kitty Black Perkins, designer of the first Black Barbie, on a display in the exhibit.
The 1990s
In the ‘90s, Barbie began dressing in street-style clothing and Generation Girl Barbie followed the fashion of iconic girl groups like the Spice Girls. Totally Hair Barbie was launched with 10.5-inch-long hair.
Barbie’s various careers in the ‘90s were influenced by women starting to obtain higher education degrees in the real world, and she became a veterinarian, pilot and more.
In 1992, Barbie ran in her first presidential election.
Now
Barbie made a triumphant comeback with the 2023 movie Barbie, with Margot Robbie displaying her iconic plaid white and pink dress. Barbie is now inspired by the first female vice president and women in STEM, becoming a robotics engineer and more.
Barbie celebrated 65 years in 2024 and Mattel premiered the eminent Blue Sapphire Anniversary doll.
Barbie™: A Cultural Icon
The exhibit, Barbie™: A Cultural Icon, displays the cultural significance of 66 years of Barbie and her influence on the world. The exhibit shows dolls, accessories, clothing and includes information about how Barbie is made and how Barbie is the most diverse doll in the world. Viewers can stand inside a Barbie box, sit in the life-size Barbie car, watch Barbie on TV screens as they walk around and end their tour in the Barbie gift shop.
“As you are enamored by more than 250 Barbies, in the exhibition along with her friends, I know that you are going to find one that you played with as a child, as a parent, as a grandparent,” said Elizabeth Pierce, president and CEO of the Cincinnati Museum Center. “When you find those, you will remember the joy and delight that goes along with being a curious child and the joy of learning through play.”
Barbie™: A Cultural Icon at the Cincinnati Museum Center opens to the public on Friday and runs through Sept. 1. Tickets are $19.50 for adults, $17.50 for seniors and $15.50 for children. For more information about the exhibit, visit cincymuseum.org/barbie.
This article appears in Apr 2-8, 2025.