She's been a part of so many families since 1959. She's delighted children and collectors of all ages for generations. She proudly stands at the intersection of fashion and pop culture. And now she is the star of an exhibition set to open Oct. 22 on the Las Vegas Strip.
"Barbie: A Cultural Icon Exhibition," in the Shops at Crystals, will highlight the doll's six-decade evolution and the making of a global icon.
The first Barbie exhibition to tour in the U.S. will display the first Barbie doll ever produced and examine how the doll and the world around it has changed through the decades.
"Barbie is a brand that has evolved through generations, and we can't wait for fans of all ages to take a journey through time with us," said Julie Freeland, senior director of Location Based Entertainment at Mattel, which is partnering with Illusion Projects for the exhibition.
It will feature more than 150 vintage dolls, artifacts and life-size fashion pieces in themed displays. Video media and interviews with Barbie designers will help drive the narrative about the dolls, career representation and fashion trends from each era.
"Barbie has an amazing and inspiring history," said Tim Clothier, CEO of Illusion Projects. "There is a real sense of nostalgia when you see what was happening in the world, and in Barbie's world, when you were a kid -- and then follow the story to how she's impacting our world today."
The exhibit, which includes a retail shop, is scheduled to run through Jan. 15 but may be extended before visiting other cities, a spokesman said. Hours will vary based on days, holidays and other special events. Guests should plan to spend about an hour at the exhibit, which is located in a new third-floor space not used before at the Shops in Crystals.
To purchase tickets ($50 for adults and $40 for children ages 3 to 12 plus tax and fees) or for more information on "Barbie: A Cultural Icon," visit BarbieExpo.com.