One of the most talked-about exhibitions in the world is coming to Melbourne Museum in 2026 — and it’s going to be a big hit with kids. Barbie®: The Exhibition opens Saturday 28 November 2026 and runs through to Sunday 16 May 2027, giving you the whole summer and autumn school holidays to plan a visit.
The museum exhibition was originally created by the Design Museum in London and tells the story of Barbie through fashion, architecture, furniture and vehicle design. On display will be over 250 dolls and accessories, spanning 1959 to today.
What is Barbie® The Exhibition?
The exhibition traces the full design evolution of one of the world’s most iconic toys, from the very first Barbie released by Mattel in 1959 all the way through to today’s diverse range.
You’ll find:
- A rare first-edition ‘Number 1 Barbie’ from 1959 — one of the original dolls from the Mattel archives
- A section dedicated to Ken!
- Dolls that reflect Barbie’s growing diversity over the decades — the first Black, Hispanic and Asian Barbie dolls are included.
- The first Barbie Dreamhouse™ from 1962 (spoiler: it started as cardboard, mid-century modern residence)
- Vehicles, furniture and accessories that show how Barbie’s world has reflected the design trends of its time.
Is Barbie® The Exhibition good for kids?
Yes, and it works for a wider age range than you might expect for a doll exhibition.
For younger kids (4–6)
Younger kids will be captivated by the sheer spectacle of it – so much pink! Check out the hundreds of dolls, dramatic display setups, a chandelier made entirely of Barbie hair (wow), and the full Dreamhouse display!
For primary-school-aged kids (6–12)
Kids this age will get more out of the design and history angle. The exhibition shows how Barbie’s fashion, careers, and world have changed across different decades. If they’ve seen the Barbie movie, even better. There are some fun points of connection.
For adults
While kids get to see hundreds of dolls and a whole universe of miniature stuff, adults can enjoy their moment of nostalgia. Remember the Totally Hair Barbie (the best-selling Barbie of all time, with over 10 million sold) or the Day to Night Barbie from 1985?
Tips for visiting with kids
Book tickets before you go
This exhibition will be popular, especially in the summer and autumn school holidays. Tickets are available through the Melbourne Museum website.
Museum Members save
If your family visits Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks and Immigration Museum regularly, a Museums Victoria membership is worth looking at before you book. Member tickets are $25 for adults and $18 for children, compared to $30 and $20 for standard tickets. Check membership options here.
Go early, or go on a weekday
Summer school holidays in particular are going to be busy. If you can, aim for a weekday session or an early time slot to make the most of it.
Make a day of it
Your ticket includes general museum entry, so you can easily turn the Barbie exhibition into a full day out. The Children’s Gallery is always a hit with younger kids (up to 5 years) and it’s one of the best free-with-entry inclusions at any Melbourne museum.
Practical info
Location: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Dates: Saturday 28 November 2026 – Sunday 16 May 2027
Hours: Open daily, 9am–5pm
Ticket prices:
- Adult: $30
- Child: $20
- Concession: $25
- Member Adult: $25
- Member Child: $18
- Children under 3: free
Tickets include general museum entry.
Getting there: Melbourne Museum is easy to reach by public transport. Trams 86 and 96 stop on Nicholson Street. If you’re driving, there’s paid parking under the museum and street parking in surrounding streets.
Prams: Prams are welcome at Melbourne Museum. The building has lifts throughout and fully accessible bathrooms and baby change facilities.
Accessibility: A sensory map and large-format text will be available for this exhibition. The museum is wheelchair accessible with lifts, ramps and accessible bathrooms throughout.
FAQs: Barbie® The Exhibition at Melbourne Museum
What age is this exhibition suitable for?
It works well from around age 4 and up. Younger children will enjoy the visual spectacle — the dolls, the displays, the sheer amount of pink. Older kids and adults will get more out of the design and history content.
How long should we allow for our visit?
Allow 60 minutes for the exhibition itself. Add extra time if you plan to explore the rest of Melbourne Museum. Your Barbie exhibition ticket includes access to the rest of Melbourne Museum on the same day.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. This is a major exhibition and sessions may sell out, especially during school holidays and weekends. Book through the Museums Victoria website.
Is it interactive?
The exhibition is primarily a display-based experience rather than a hands-on play space. That said, the installations are visually dramatic so it feels more immersive than standing at a glass case and reading a plaque.
Are prams allowed inside the exhibition?
Yes. The museum has lifts and accessible spaces throughout. A carrier might be handy if you’re visiting on a busy day and want to move more freely through the exhibition space.
Can we bring food inside?
Food and drink aren’t allowed inside exhibition spaces, but there are plenty of areas within the museum to take a break.
Are there family facilities at Melbourne Museum?
Yes — you’ll find:
- Baby change facilities
- Lifts for pram access
- Family-friendly bathrooms
- Cafés and picnic spots
- Lockers for storage
Is it accessible?
Melbourne Museum is fully accessible, with lifts, ramps and accessible bathrooms available throughout.
What else can we see at Melbourne Museum?
Plenty. Your ticket includes general entry, so there’s no reason not to make a full day of it. Family favourites include:
- The Children’s Gallery
- Dinosaur and natural history exhibits
- Forest Gallery
You could easily spend four to five hours here without running out of things to see.
