Star of the show
An exhibition dedicated to the world-famous Barbie doll opens at London's Design Museum on 5 July 2024. One of the star exhibits is a Barbie based on ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, which flew with her during a six-month mission on the International Space Station.
The Barbie doll has been a style icon ever since its launch in 1959 and has moved with the times ever since, including space-themed Barbies. One of the most famous of these must be the Barbie based on ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, who has been an influential ambassador and role model for young people interested in space.
This Barbie blasted off to the International Space Station with Samantha Cristoforetti in 2022 and spent six months orbiting Earth. During that time, Barbie helped Samantha to foster an interest in space and STEM subjects among young people on Earth.
Now people can meet this very special ESA astronaut Barbie face-to-face for the first time. She is one of the stars of an exhibition that celebrates the 65th anniversary of Barbie at London's Design Museum, which runs from 5 July 2024 to 23 February 2025.
The exhibition is sure to draw Barbie fans of all ages from around the world and will help to increase awareness of ESA, while the incredible journey into space of this unique Barbie will help to fire the imaginations of the next generation of space explorers and scientists.
ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti said, “I am thrilled that my Barbie, who flew with me on the International Space Station, will have a starring role at Barbie®: The Exhibition at London's Design Museum. It is wonderful that so many people, especially boys and girls, will get the chance to meet my Barbie from space!"
You can learn more about Barbie®: The Exhibition on London's Design Museum website.
