Barbie: A Cultural Icon

Over Sixty Years of Fashion and Inspiration

June 12–September 20, 2026 | Everist Gallery

Barbie® is more than just a doll. She is a cultural icon.

Barbie™: A Cultural Icon takes guests from 1959 to present day, examining how pop culture and fashion trends have shaped this global phenomenon. The exhibition celebrates Barbie as a reflection of culture, with exclusive interviews and an up-close look at vintage dolls, career representation and fashion trends from each era. Today, Barbie is the most diverse doll line in the world, inspiring girls to imagine everything they can become.

A role model, a muse, a best friend — Barbie means something to everyone. Just as fans have been influenced by Barbie, she’s been influenced by them — their loves, their trends and their cultural touchstones. Join us on this exhibition of six-decade evolution and the making of a global icon.


Exhibition Details

Location

Everist Gallery

Exhibition Access

Guests should begin their visit at the Box Office to purchase exhibition admission and receive a wristband before entering the exhibition space.

Access to the exhibition is available through the Visual Arts Center on the second floor of the Washington Pavilion.


Admission

Special exhibition pricing applies.

Exhibition access may be added to museum admission online or at the Box Office during your visit.

Washington Pavilion members receive discounted exhibition access.


Included in the Exhibition

  • Vintage and modern Barbie dolls
  • Fashion-focused displays and immersive environments
  • Exclusive interviews and cultural storytelling
  • Career representation through the decades
  • Interactive and photo-worthy moments
  • A look at Barbie’s influence on culture, fashion and identity

Before You Visit

  • Guests must check in at the Box Office before entering the exhibition.
  • Wristbands are required for exhibition access.
  • Food and beverage are not permitted inside the exhibition space.

Make It a Full Experience

While visiting Barbie™: A Cultural Icon Exhibition, guests can also explore the Washington Pavilion’s other Visual Arts Center galleries, Kirby Science Discovery Center, Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium and additional museum experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Barbie™: A Cultural Icon Exhibition is a special traveling exhibition and requires an exhibition add-on ticket. Full pricing is available online and through the Box Office. 💖

Washington Pavilion members receive discounted admission and pay only the exhibition add-on fee, which ranges from $4-$6 depending on age. 💖

Barbie™: A Cultural Icon Exhibition requires a special exhibition add-on ticket.

Members:
• Adult Members: $6
• Youth/Student Members: $4

Non-Members:
• Museum admission + exhibition add-on ($4-$6 depending on age)

Barbie™: A Cultural Icon Exhibition is located in the Everist Gallery inside the Visual Arts Center at the Washington Pavilion.

Guests should check in at the Box Office before entering the exhibition.

Yes! The life-size Barbie car is part of the exhibition and one of several photo-worthy moments guests can experience.

Absolutely! Guests are encouraged to take photos and share their experience.

Not at all. Barbie™: A Cultural Icon Exhibition explores more than 65 years of fashion, culture and inspiration. While children will enjoy the experience, many adults will find the exhibition nostalgic and engaging.

Yes. Admission to Barbie™: A Cultural Icon Exhibition is separate from the other galleries in the Visual Arts Center. Guests may continue to enjoy the additional galleries without purchasing exhibition admission.

Sponsored by

South Dakota Arts Council support is provided with funds from the State of South Dakota, through the Department of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Looking for events at your Washington Pavilion?

The region’s home for the arts, entertainment and science offers endless possibilities for fun and learning. View our calendar of events for our full schedule.