As a child, I was obsessed with Barbies.
I had sets, outfits, and all types of Barbies. Zoologist, teacher, model and so much more. I loved how Barbie could be anything she wanted and so she inspired me. As I grew up I put my dolls away but I would always reminisce about the styles she wore and how I wished I could have a fancy Barbie.
I remember going online and seeing some collector’s Barbies that cost hundreds of dollars and that were so, so beautiful and wishing to see them face to face. And I finally did it!
A week ago, I finally had the opportunity to go to the Barbie Expo in downtown Montreal. Ever since I moved here almost two years ago I have wanted to go but I wasn’t able to find the time or the energy and feared getting lost.
Last week there was a fashion job fair and I decided to go even though I have no current plans to go to fashion college. While looking for the hotel, I passed by some signs that said “Barbie Expo! Open to all. Free!”. After the job fair, I decided to go find the Barbies!
It was quite interesting because it is underground (basement level) but on the second floor of the underground mall. I was so surprised by how close it was to my school, it’s right above a metro (subway) stop which is one stop away from Guy-Concordia and could not believe I had not gone there before.
The Expo
This is the largest permanent Barbie exhibition/museum in the world and it is free! I found out that new dolls are placed from time to time, so the collection is not always the same. The exhibition takes donations if you wish, and the money goes the to Make-A-Wish foundation.
*Note this shopping center is part of Montreal’s Underground city which has over 2000 stores and the underground level vary from 2 to 4 subfloors! The tunnels are about 33km long. It is free and it is a fun place to discover. Though if you are claustrophobic (like me) it might be daunting, especially knowing that you are 4 floors underground below a 10storey building.
The first thing one notices when entering from whichever entrance is the huge chandelier in the middle of the room above a waterfall fountain and pool. On either side of that eye-catching entrance, there are walls that showcase the dolls.
There are massive chandeliers all over the place and over 1000 dolls in the collection. The pictures below capture how all the dolls are exhibited and how huge the place is.
The cool thing about this exhibition is that there are visitors of all ages. Since these not play dolls, adults will be able to understand and appreciate the concept behind the dolls, as well as the designers and themes.
The garments of the dolls are so detailed and look like they were painstakingly made. I can not imagine working on such a small scale.
There is a James Bond/Casino-themed. Another scene is one where all the dolls are having a fashion show! The dolls in the middle move as if on a real runway and the seated dolls have flashing cameras.
The dolls
Like I said before there are hundreds of dolls and so there are dolls for everyone’s tastes and styles. One of my favorite collections was movie characters and personalities. There was Doris Day + Rock Hudson, Maria from Sound of Music, Cher, JLo, and so many others.
One colorful collection was the dolls of the world which tried to capture the folk/typical outfits of each country. Obviously, there were countries missing but it was great seeing the styles every country has.
Canada had an RCMP outfit and I loved Brazil’s as it reminded me of how the women dress in a part of Colombia.
Some other dolls I saw and loved. There were dolls designed by famous designers and outfits based on iconic dresses, like the Christian Dior’s “New Look” doll.
The based on paintings collection had some great depictions of what some iconic paintings such as”Starry Night” would look like in a garment.
I loved, LOVED, this exhibition. It was great and I will definitely be going back (not just because it’s free) My 10year old self would have loved this and been flabbergasted by so many Barbies!
Before I left I made sure to get a picture in the Barbie box! There is both a child-size one and an adult one. Since I hadn’t planned on going I hadn’t dressed to have my picture taken.
What do you think? Would you ever go to a Barbie museum? Did you love Barbies as a child?
If you have questions, comments or concerns don’t hesitate to contact me.
Loren Camila
Omg, I didn't even know such thing existed! I would love to see a Barbie museum as my childhood was spent with those dolls, haha. The Canada Barbie is so adorable!
It is really cool! There's so many dolls that your inner child will jump with joy!
Oh, this looks so fun! I have always loved Barbie dolls too! I would really like to go to this!
astorydetective.blogspot.com
Oh my god, I had no idea this was even a thing but my inner child is screaming with excitement at the thought of this. I'd love to see all of the different collections like this. I was obsessed with my Barbies as a kid and I know I'd still really enjoy this. Sounds like a great experience! x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
It is so much fun and so memorable! A great place to visit and you'll wish you could stay and take a doll!
Thanks for the comment, Rakayle
It is a great experience, Sophie. Though it's open to all I feel that adults mostly go to fulfill their childhood dreams of being surrounded by so many dolls from so may collections.
These barbies look amazing! It reminds me of how much I used to play with them as a child! Can't wait to visit this place someday!
Abir | byabz.blogspot.com
Oh girl, you are so lucky to visit this expo! All of these gorgeous barbies look so stylish! Thank you so much for sharing with us 🙂 I loved the post!
Lots of love ♥ January Girl
This is so cool. I'd definitely go here. Loving RCMP Barbie! So fun. Such a unique museum.
It is worth going! It's fun, relaxing and it brings back so many memories.
This is so cool. I used to play barbies as a kid. Great photographs! X
Hi Loren! OMG it´s a fantastic Expo, I would like to go there.
Have a nice day!
Their outfits are so detailed and eye catching, and so so amazing! Thanks for the comment, Abir
Aww, thanks Liz! Love to share what I love and hope you'll be able to see it one day!
Thanks, Lauren! It is fun and so cool to see!
Hi, Marianela! It is so cool and hope one day you will be able to visit.
Thanks for commenting!
This is so cool!! If I ever get the chance to visit Montreal, I just might have to check this out! I had quite a few Barbie dolls when I was younger! I always knew that collecting dolls was a thing, but I never knew there was a museum!
Katherine Isabella – https://katherineisabella.blogspot.com/
I was surprised too that there was a museum! It really is cool and if you love the dolls you're gonna love this.
I didn't know that there is a Barbie expo! Pretty cool to see the different dolls dressed up respectively. It is amazing to hear about how big the facility is! Even though I'm way past my Barbie age, I would still highly appreciate them. Glad you enjoyed your time out there!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Okay I'd LOVE to see this! I was a huge Barbie lover when I was little. I had hundreds and a Barbie airplane, a Barbie swimming pool (like for Barbies, not human size haha!) and so much furniture!
Jenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
Thank you, Nancy. I really did enjoy it immensely! The details in the doll's dresses are so detailed and gorgeous!
It's such a great place and since you are a Barbie lover you would enjoy it immensely, Jenny!
Hope you'll be able to go there one day!