This summer is all about Barbie, and what better way to deep-dive into the famous doll’s world than with a trip to the World of Barbie? Located at Santa Monica Place, World of Barbie is perfect for fans of the miniature fashion and cultural icon, style lovers, and even those who just love a brightly colored pop-up.
“For more than 60 years, Barbie has been inspiring the limitless potential in girls through imaginative play,” Jonathan Sanford, COO at Kilburn Live, told us. “That’s why we’re excited for guests to walk in her footsteps and experience the World of Barbie, featuring life-size experiences inspired by iconic Barbie toys, including the Barbie Dreamhouse and the Barbie Camper Van.”
A Look Inside World of Barbie
The World of Barbie is an exciting destination that brings to life the iconic doll and all her adventures. Visitors can start their journey by chilling out in Barbie’s full-sized camper van, designed by the world-famous West Coast Customs. The camper van is the perfect place to relax and snap some selfies, and it’s a great photo opportunity for fans of the doll. Next, visitors can board the Barbie Interstellar Airways shuttle and travel to intergalactic destinations in style. With an impressive array of high-tech features and a futuristic design, this shuttle is truly out of this world.
Unlike the typical technicolor Instagram photo opp, World of Barbie provides an in-depth look into the history of Barbie and her role as a cultural icon through the ages. “World of Barbie is filled with exquisitely designed rooms that are exceptionally photo-worthy, but the heart of the experience is centered around Barbie’s 250 careers and inspiring children that they can be anything,” Sanford explained. “Guests can discover their inner Scientist in the functioning Science Lab, test out their journalism skills delivering the weather report and reading breaking news complete with a teleprompter in the News Room, and travel to intergalactic destinations aboard Barbie Interstellar Rocket.”
For fans of the doll, the World of Barbie Museum is a must-visit destination. Visitors can explore Barbie dolls and accessories from over six decades of fun, marvel at the intricate craftsmanship, and appreciate the historical value of these iconic toys. The exhibit showcases Barbie’s evolution over the years, highlighting the many different styles, careers, and social issues that have shaped the brand. This immersive experience is the ultimate tribute to one of the most beloved dolls in the world, and it’s sure to delight fans of all ages.
Some of Barbie’s most iconic settings were painstakingly recreated to allow fans a look at a life-size version of the icon’s world. “Kilburn has been at the forefront of touring experiences for many years. That has given us real-world data, along with the ability to constantly innovate our productions based on the experiences and feedback from our guests,” Sanford said of the experience. “Combining our institutional knowledge with amazing partnership from Mattel has allowed for the unreal custom scenes and experiences that answer the question, “What would these items look like if brought to life?” while remaining faithful to the brand and the needs of the consumer.”
The World of Barbie is open at Santa Monica Place through early September 2023. “Barbie has wide appeal across multiple generations and is more culturally relevant than ever; it’s beautiful to watch people share a special experience with an iconic brand and sentimental pieces of their childhoods, no matter what age,” Sanford told us. “Be it three generations of family or a group of friends enjoying World of Barbie together; Barbie fans will discover and take away something new with every visit.”
