Photo: World of Barbie
On April 14, a 20,000 square-foot attraction, “World of Barbie,” opened in Santa Monica offering interactive installations which let customers visit Barbie's Dreamhouse, board a space shuttle and more.
With entry prices starting at $25.50 for kids and $34.50 for adults, the experience was imagined by entertainment company Kilburn Live, Barbie-parent Mattel and talent agency IMG. It follows a launch and nearly three-month run in Toronto that drew over 100,000 guests. It arrives as a “Barbie” movie starring Margot Robbie is set to reach theaters in July.
The experience is on tour and will eventually reach New York, Chicago and other cities.
"This is a world, a world built specifically for Barbie fans so they can experience what it is like to walk into a life-sized Barbie playset,” said Mark Manuel, Kilburn Live’s CEO, in a news release.
Highlights include a:
- Life-size Barbie Dreamhouse complete with a patio, pool and walk-in closets filled with Barbie outfits over the years;
- Paul Mitchell Salon offering Barbie-glam hairstyling;
- Bubble-gum pink camper van including a hammock for lounging;
- Fashion studio where guests walk the pink carpet and pose inside one of six Barbie boxes with themes like “Western” and “fashionista;”
- Museum exhibit where guests learn how Barbie has evolved since arriving in 1959;
- Gift shop selling Barbies and accessories featuring the trendy “Barbicore” pink aesthetic.