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A Barbie doll that spent six months on the ISS will debut at London’s Design Museum this week. This celebration marks Barbie’s 65th anniversary in partnership with Mattel.
A Barbie doll that spent six months orbiting the Earth aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will make its public debut this week at the Design Museum in London. This exhibition is part of a celebration marking the 65th anniversary of the iconic Barbie brand, created in partnership with Mattel.
A special Barbie was designed to resemble Samantha Cristoforetti, the first female commander of the ISS. During her mission, Cristoforetti became the first European woman to complete a spacewalk, with her Barbie lookalike accompanying her in zero gravity. Visitors will be able to watch videos of Cristoforetti answering questions from space, encouraging young girls to pursue careers in science and astronomy.
“We’re so excited that the first time anyone can see Samantha’s doll since it returned from the International Space Station is at the Design Museum this summer,” said curator Danielle Thom. “Its remarkable journey on Samantha’s history-making mission 400 kilometers above the Earth was one of the most dramatic moments in Barbie’s evolving story.”
Cristoforetti herself expressed her enthusiasm, stating she was “thrilled” that her Barbie would play a “starring role” in the exhibition. The exhibit will also feature a rare edition of Barbie’s first space-themed doll, the silver “Miss Astronaut,” released in 1965, four years before Neil Armstrong’s moon landing. Another highlight is a Barbie in a metallic pink spacesuit, released in 1985 following Sally Ride’s achievement as the first American woman in space.
In addition to these space-themed dolls, the exhibition will showcase other rare and historic Barbie dolls, including a prototype of the first Talking Barbie launched in 1968 and one of the earliest first edition Barbie dolls. Iconic figures such as Sunset Malibu Barbie and Day to Night Barbie will also be on display, providing a visual timeline of Barbie’s evolving design.
The exhibition will chart the changes in Barbie’s design over the years. Moreover, it will feature Barbie’s friends, including Midge, and a dedicated section to her male companion, Ken.
Since the release of the Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie, which broke box office records last year, the doll has gained even more prominence in popular culture, making significant impacts in fashion, music, and now, design.
With AFP
